12 replies to this topic

[Hipshot]

It is with deepest sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Mary D’Amico, this past Monday at 9:10 am. She’d turned 89 on 31 December. For three years, she battled congestive heart failure and dementia, and while this is a sad moment, there is also relief in knowing that her suffering is over. She fought the good fight and now goes to her final reward.

Death leaves a pain that no one can heal - Love is a memory that no one can steal.

[uwfan]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hold on to the good memories.

[dolphinswimmer]

my deepest condolence...you and your family are in my thoughts.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

I'm so sorry about your loss, Rick. When we lose someone so close to us, it can be very hard to see that an end to their pain & suffering as a good thing. I'm so glad that you can. Wishing you and your family some peace.

[WreckWench]

Rick my heart is breaking for you. You loved your mother so much and gave of your time and love to care for her these past 3 years very unselfishly.

I know many of us could not make the same sacrafice and many who could would not.

It is a terrible day when we lose any loved one and the worst day when its a parent or child.

I like you am glad she is no longer suffering and know she is where she ultimately wanted to be...heaven.

I love your quote in your signature line....it says it all!~

Hugs and LOTS OF LOVE from your SingleDivers.com family! Let us know if we can do ANYTHING and I do mean ANYTHING to help you or just be there to listen when you need a friend or shoulder to cry on! Kamala

[dive_sail_etc]

My condolences go out to you and your family Rick. It's one of the toughest events that virtually everyone must endure at some point. You are quite right in taking comfort from knowing she enjoyed such a long and full life.

[little mermaid]

My condolences to you and your family. It's hard to lose a parent, especially when you are so very close to them. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Hipshot]

I want to thank everybody for your kind words. I'm in the process of making her memorial arrangements (she's being cremated, so there's some time to finalize things) and getting on with my life (i.e., full-time employment, etc.).

Here's a poem that one of my parish priests sent me. It helps put things in perspective.

Gone From My Sight
by Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that is dying...

Death comes in its own time, in its own way.
Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Very powerful & inspirational poem. Thank you for sharing it.

[uwfan]

Wow! Thanks for sharing that Rick. I love the picture that poem creates and am a bit overwhelmed by what it says about dying. It's been many years since I lost my dad, but somehow that makes it a little easier to think about.

[little mermaid]

Wow, I heard this one at a passing of a co-worker in August, and it's still powerful, hopefully gives a little insight. I hope your days become a little easier. Thinking of you.

[dustbowl diver]

Rick,

My heartleft condolences to you and your family for your loss! Thoughts and prayers that the peace that passes all understanding fill your hearts in this time of sorrow!!

John