Rest in Peace Mama.
Sweet was the word I heard the most when people have described her in the past few days. From the nurses at the hospital, the caregivers at her assisted-living facility, the angels at Alive Hospice. They all said the same thing... "What a sweet lady. What a sweet spirit." I had several nurses tell me how much she had touched them while they were caring for her. And I've had SO many people from her past reach out to me via phone calls, emails and Facebook messages, to tell me little stories of how she touched them and their lives. I will be forever grateful for those stories and memories of her.
Today, we laid Mom to rest. Rest. A rest she had been craving for awhile. She was so very tired and now she finally can rest.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. They put up an online "Legacy Page" for her here: http://bit.ly/XMS6HE She loved her Lord and she loved her family. She loved well. And I'm going to try and carry on that legacy and "love well" too.
Rest in Peace Mama.
I can't begin to thank everyone who has reached out to me, Mike, Derek, Sam and Dad in these past few days. If I haven't responded directly to you yet, please bear with me. I was trying to personally respond to each text, email, Twitter and Facebook message but honestly I got overwhelmed and had to take a breath. I do want to say that I was so deeply touched by the outpouring of true emotion so many of you shared with me these past couple of weeks. Thank you for going on this journey with me and Mom. Thank you for all the love and prayers you have given to us. Thank you for being our cheerleaders, prayer warriors and life-preservers. Thank you to each person who took time out of their day to come to the funeral home and service today.... thank you for all the flowers, food, giftbaskets and cards that you sent.
And most of all, thank you for reminding me and my family of the true goodness in people. From the kindness of strangers, new friends and old friends. It was all of your goodness that lifted us up and kept me breathing when I was sure at times I would surely suffocate. You are all amazing.
One more thing.... if you are wondering what you can do for us... please consider donating to "Alive Hospice" in Mom's name. That place is truly amazing and the way they care for the patients AND the families is true servanthood at it's finest form.
Rest in Peace Mama.
Love, Marcia
The link to donate to Alive Hospice in memory of Betty Jo Ramirez.
ReplyDeletehttps://secure.netsolhost.com/alivehospice.org/donations-give.php
Thanks for posting Sis!!
DeleteOh Marcia, what a precious service for your sweet mother. Even in those chilly temperatures, we could sure feel the presence of the Lord, couldn't we? Pete's heartfelt message. The amazing voices all around us singing those wonderful old hymns. The overwhelming love for you and your family . . . it all felt like we were bound together for those moments to lift you up as you said farewell. Never good-bye, only a temporary farewell. You remain in our prayers, my sweet friend. Always.
ReplyDeleteOh sweet friend... THANK YOU for coming today! i feel cheated that I didn't get more time with you, but I hope we can schedule a time for some one-on-one VERY soon!
DeleteIt was a precious and glorious service. I hurt for your loss but I rejoice for your Momma's homecoming. I treasure you, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteSeeing YOUR face there made my heart sing! I love you dear friend... I wanna see you again very, very soon!
DeleteMarcia, you probably don't remember me. I'm Tracys mother. You Mom was a very sweet lady and also your dad was a nice guy. My sympthay is with you during this time. Annetta Brackett
ReplyDeleteHello Annetta... of COURSE I remember you! Thank you so much for your kind words about Mom and Dad. It means alot to me, especially right now. I hope you are well dear lady....
DeleteBlessings,
Marcia