I've lived a life that's full. I've traveled each and every highway;But more, much more than this, I did it my way. - Elvis

Today I did not leave Mom’s side, I both sat with her and held her hand or I lay in bed with her. I watched her breathing patterns change exactly the way the nurse told me they would, the final one being what they call “fish out of water”. I prayed with her, I sang some, talked about what it was going to be like when she got to Heaven, and then I leaned over and whispered, “Tell Dad I love him and miss him and I love you.” She took a couple of more breaths and she peacefully slipped away. It was 1:15pm but the “legal” time is 2:22pm because we had to wait until the nurse got here to pronounce her.

From Mom to her Kids - Epilogue to My Life

Don’t waste your time in sorrow,
for you’re not meant to stay.
And linger in emotion that breaks
your heart this way.

Rejoice and celebrate,
the life that once was mine.
The moments that were shared
and what I’ve left behind.

Remember times of laughter –
of joyful moments shared.
Of casual conversation,
and meals we prepared.

Remember all the times together,
the laughter and the tears.
The times we spent together
over all these years.

A blessing God had given me,
to raise you as my own.
But the gift that God did give to me,
was never mine alone.

Strong men and strong women,
you grew up to be.
To touch the lives of others,
and grow our family tree.

I am so very thankful,
in all that you’ve become.
No one could feel prouder
of each daughter, of each son.

Mistakes, yes we all will make them
But that’s just how we learn.
Don’t look back upon them
with any measure of concern.

I did what I knew best,
though mistakes, I made them too.
It was all part of this journey,
you learned from me, I learned from you.

Don’t think of any memory now
Of one that you regret.
Instead be glad, as I am,
that it was time well spent.

With each moment we’ve come to know,
a different part of who we are.
And ever you were dear to me,
whether near or far.

You may not ever know,
how your impact was so great.
Of what your lives did mean to me,
as I sit now, at heaven’s gate.

Because of each of you,
I spread my wings to fly.
And when my wings were broken,
you wiped away the tears I cried.

Who you remember me to be,
comes from all that I have known.
The good times and the bad times,
led me to the place, I now call Home.

I sing with angels, dance in heaven,
I sit at Jesus’ feet.
I’m at peace, no pain, I’m restful,
I am a masterpiece complete.


Written by my brother Ray's friend, Tracy Lynn Schiro Vokac, for Mom to her kids. Thank you Tracy ... you nailed it!