Thursday, September 29, 2011

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month... please have a mammogram!


Lois Marilyn Smiley
April 20, 1936 - July 31, 2011

My Mother lost her battle with breast cancer on July 31st.  She had cancer for at least 15 years and had developed lymphodema in her right arm a few years ago.  It left her unable to do all the things she so loved to do. She was the creative light in my life, every craft or hobby I have ever done was because she introduced (sometimes dragged) me to it.  Just to name a few of her favorites that she so loved were:  crocheting, knitting, embroidery, sewing, upholstery, painting, quilting, paper crafting, scrap booking, and card making... and these are just a few of all the wonderful and creative crafts she loved. 
She was the most kind, caring, loving and positive person I have ever known.  Even in the midst of her illness she always told us that there was so many people so much worse than her, that she had led a long, happy and wonderful life and her heart went to others especially children who suffered from illness' or tragedies in their short lives.  Thanks to Hospice and the Edema Center, Mom was able to spend the end of her time at home surrounded by her daughters, faithful dog companions, Laci and Max and her treasures.  And thanks to my Sister Annie, who shared a home with Mom and Dad, not only took loving care of Mom, but Dad as well who passed at home in 2006 also surrounded by his family.  I owe her so much. 


Mom & Dad had a lake house on Lake Elysian and we spent many happy times there all together.  Crafting, swimming, strolling the lake on the pontoon, eating, shopping at all the antique and craft shops, 4th of July celebrations and so many more memories to last my lifetime!  She loved that lake house... her crafts and most of all her family.  She had 3 daughters, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and over the years she had many pets that were lucky enough to be part of her family.   Thank you Mom for all that you taught me, for all that you shared with me and most important for loving me and showing me how to love.

 

                         I love you Mom                
                                            Give Dad a big hug,  
                                                                     I'll see you both soon...


                                                                         

36 comments:

Anne said...

Hello Pendra I am so sad to hear the news about your Mum and send you many,many hugs. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Anne x

Lisa said...

Oh Pendra, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Your post was a very beautiful, moving tribute to your amazing mother. God bless you and your family.

Lisa
http://indymermaid.blogspot.com

MadeByKarla said...

Hi Pendra,
That was a beautiful tribute. It sounds like your mom had a wonderful full life. Your post inspired me to think differently about my crafting. I realize that at any time I may be prevented from doing what I love and therefore I should take full advantage of every minute now. Sending you healing and hugs,
Karla

Jayne said...

Pendra,so sorry for your loss.Thinking of you.
Jayne

KellyCreates said...

Pendra, I offer my prayers and friendship during this difficult time. I really enjoyed reading your loving words about your mother, and I'm happy for you that you are blessed with so many wonderful memories and had such a special relationship with your mom. Take care...big Hugs...Kelly

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your Mom,

Hugs, Lori m

Unknown said...

Hi Pendra Sorry for your loss .. I wish you much strength and power .. by this loss .. of your mother ...OHH so difficult time for youso much prayers for you!!!


Sweet Dear thank you so for your very lovely comment on my Blog and by SB .com so much appreciated

hugs carla

Cely said...

I'm so sorry Pendra about your mother. :*( I hope that you can find peace. We will all be waiting for you to get back. I know that when my BIL passed away a couple of months ago, I found that crafting was a good outlet for my emotions. We'll all be waiting for you next project. :)

And thanks so much for the birthday wishes! :) You are so sweet. It wasn't up earlier, but the inlinkz tool is working now, if you want to enter for the grand prize!

Mary said...

My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time.

teachermom5 said...

So very sorry to hear about your mother passing away. I pray you will find peace and healing. The wonderful things you wrote about her speaks volumes of the special kind of person she was.

Susan said...

Pendra I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I wish I could ease the pain you're going through right now but only time can accomplish that. You are in my prayers through this difficult time dear. {{hugs}}

Susan
cricutandgrasshopper.blogspot.com

Flair Girl said...

Oh Pendra, I'm so very sorry for your loss sweet friend. I have found a way to use scrapbooking to HELP with cancer through a fund-raising retreat that's fast aproaching. In our moments of silence and prayer I will think of you and your mother. May the Lord bring you peace and comfort during this time of need. With blessing, Brynn (P.S. please e-mail me your contact info.) HUGS!

Unknown said...

Pendra I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I too know the pain of losing my Mom. No words can compensate your pain, but you will be in my prayers. The peace that passes understanding I pray for you to receive. You will be together again. Hugs, Pam at http://craftycards4u2.blogspot.com/

Karen Letchworth said...

Oh, Pendra - I am SO sorry to learn about your Mom. You've been a faithful "follower" on my blog with such encouraging words. I hope you know how much that means. I will be praying for you as you heal through this difficult time. Take care, and I look forward to chatting with you soon.
God bless!
Karen

Trisha said...

So sorry about your Mom. She sounds like she fought a long a courageous battle. Your post is very loving and beautiful.

My Need 2 Craft said...

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. :( My condolences.

Hugs,
Terri

ibecircled.blogspot.com said...

Oh Pendra, I am so sorry for your loss of your dear mother! I wish that I could make all your pain easier. Just know that you have friends that care and are here for you. You are in my prayers through this difficult time!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and following me..I will be doing the same!

http://ibecircled.blogspot.com
Rexann♥

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear about your mom!!!! So very sad!!!! Thank you for visiting me and i am now your new follower too!!!!

Jolaine Frias said...

Pendra, your tribute to your mother is moving and heartwarming. I'm glad you have so many wonderful memories to fill your heart and provide you with some comfort. I can tell your spirit is strong, just like your mother's.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Hugs,
Jolaine

hilde janbroers said...

so sorry for your loss....take care and hopefully you will find the strenght to carry on....hugs

Sharon Fritchman said...

Oh my goodness Pendra. I am so sorry that your mother lost her battle to breast cancer. I will keep you in my prayers. Your post is very inspiring and heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes. Take care of yourself my sweet friend. Sending healing hugs your way. Love, Sharon

Kimmarie Baker said...

So sorry to read about your loss. Losing a parent is so hard to do. I am sending prayers to you and your family. Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Romy said...

Oh my, Pendra, I'm speechless...so sorry to read about your loss of your beloved mom. She has fought really hard and I really hope she'll be able to rest in peace now. Sending you lots of hugs! I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts!

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

So sorry to hear such sad news, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Carri~abusybee
www.doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com

Terri said...

Hi Pendra.. I know we have talked about your mom but I wanted to just let you know how sorry I am for your loss. I am also so PROUD of you for taking care of her during her final days. I know it was not easy for you. Just reading about your mom and how wonderful she is shows me that you are SO much like her. You are SO caring, so so loving, so very sweet, so understanding, so patient, so helpful and I could go on and on and on. I can't imagine how you are feeling right now but I am always here if you ever need anything. You have been such a bright light of friendship and love and I really appreciate you so very much!! If I could pick one thing that has been the biggest blessing to me that I got out of blogging it would 100% be YOU my friend. I am so proud to call you my friend and I KNOW your mom and dad are both so proud of you. I know when my dad passed away the only thing that gets me through each day is knowing that he is not in anymore pain and I hope that helps you some. I wish I had a mom like you!! Just the way that you stood by your mom during the most roughest times shows your character and I admire you so very much!! Thank you for being you and for being such a good friend to me. I am SO happy that Random.Org picked your number. I was rooting for you. I know you have really been through some really rough things lately and I hope you are doing ok. Many hugs to you sweetie!! Terri of Two Pink Peas
www.twopinkpeas.blogspot.com

reneabouquets said...

Oh Pendra, so sorry to hear about the lose of your Mom. My heart and prayers go out for you. Give yourself time to grieve, the world will wait.

Rez P. said...

Hi Pendra,
I am sooo sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With big HUGS & ALOHA's,
Rez
http://karezmakreations.blogspot.com/

Stacy H-W said...

Pendra,
I'm so sorry about your mom. She sounds like such a wonderful person. Prayers to your and your family. Stacy H-W

Camilla Ekman said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Pendra! :(

The Archiving Angel said...

Sorry to learn of your mother. May God be with you & strengthen you during this difficult time.
Prayers & positive thoughts go out to you!
Sonia

eMeLiNe Seet said...

i'm really sorry to hear about your loss, Pendra :( Lifting you in prayers, may you find peace and comfort in this difficult time..... HUGS to you.

xo
e

DIANA L. said...

I AM REALLY SORRY TO HEAR YOU LOST YOUR MOM IT MUST REALLY BE HARD.
I will keep you in my prayers for peace and comfort.
Thank you for posting on my blog. It is a very good cause

Felicia - Scrapper in the Making said...

Hi Pendra,
It's been a while. I'm soooo sorry to read this news. Sounds like your mom left you with some Big Creative shoes to fill. May God Keep & Guide you through this time. Blessings & Hugs... Felicia - scrapperinthemaking.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Hi Pendra,
It's been awhile..so sorry i haven't visited. I've thought about you and your mom..i'm truly sorry about your loss..just rememer that you have lots of friends that care. How are you otherwise? Take care....hugs, Marivic

AmyJRockstar said...

Oh Pendra,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. Your post was so beautiful, it got me crying. Your mom sounded like a wonderful person (just like you) and I know how hard it is to lose a parent, but not both. Thank goodness, my mother WON her battle with breast cancer twice, however my dad lost his battle with cancer 8 years ago and not a day goes by that I don't think of him and love him. This was a beautiful thing to share about your mother. If you feel the desire to, please look at the post I did for my dad a while back. It's called something like "In Memory of my Dad". Just thought it might be of some comfort to know that there are people out there who understand how badly it hurts, but that life does go on and they do stay forever in your heart. I'm sorry I didn't see this post until just now, but I thought I would write you anyways. Keep well, my friend. You are in my prayers.

Hugs,
Amy Jo

http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com

Nicole Martel said...

aw, my heart goes out to you :( It's so hard losing our family to cancer. :( I lost my grandfather and I think about him everyday and it's been 7 years :( hugs to you!

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