Sad news to report

David,
So very sorry, you have my prayers and deepest of sympathies.
Prayers

David sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother, it is not an easy time, I have lost my Mother and Dad, and it is difficult, surprising about your Mum and the war, I was born in London in 1940, and even 'tho I was young, I can vividly remember the air raid shelter at the bottom of my grandads garden.

Think of all the good things celebrating your Mothers life, as always, you are in my thoughts.

Best regards.

Mal.

David,

So sorry to hear the news.  Please accept my sympathy.

Jim

David, I am most sorry to hear this sad news. Reading what you have written about your mom, and her online obituary, I can see where you get your strength. I'm sure she must have been very proud of you.

You, your mom, your family, are at the top of my prayer list this evening.

Sheldon AKA Sleepless

Sorry to hear this news David
My Condolences
Alf

Hi David

Please accept my Prayers and condolences.

Hard to find the words to express my feelings on your condition.

Best wishes

Gerry

Thanks again.

This evening was a tough one. My brother and sister and I went to her apartment to divide up and inventory her belongings. Just didn't feel right to me, felt like I was a grave robber.

Tomorrow the main event at 2 pm, the funeral. Next 24 hours will be tough, but sure we will make it, just like everyone else here has had to in the past. No easy way, no easy path, expecting to come unglued. Haven't allowed myself to cry at all at this point. Everyone expects me to be the stoic one all the time, but contrary to popular and urban legends, I do have feelings and emotions of my own. Just don't always show them on the outside.

Still kind of surreal to me, the entire event. But I do know in my rational side, this is my new reality. At age 62, I have become an orphan.

Final Update on this Thread:

Today, Sunday, we had my mother's Memorial Service. We were only expecting perhaps 20 people total, there was probably 75 or more. I was overwhelmed. The entire Riley clan was there, with the exception of my oldest brother who refused to come. His loss.

It was held in a chapel at a really pretty cemetery near where I live. They found a Lutheran minister to do the service, my mother was not a church or religious person. Her urn, surrounded by pictures of her from different points in her life, was on the altar along with flowers, of course.

My only sister tearfully read a poem about mother's in general, She could barely get through it.

The biggest surprise to me personally, was that a large group of brother Knights of Columbus showed up on my behalf on their own. That meant a lot to me.

We then went to my brother's house for a post funeral reception and gathering. It was nice. After a couple of hours, I was wore down to the bone, and we left for home.

I did get a sense of closure. It was only a week ago today, that my wife and I were visiting her in her apartment, and she seemed better than normal, and was more upbeat than usual. Little did we know, that 24 hours later, she would be dead. Such as life goes, and the circle of life continues, despite our best intentions and efforts.

I hope she's in a better place, but I take solace in knowing that she no longer suffers in the flesh. She outlived my father by over 22 years, that was amazing in itself.

I appreciate the outpouring of support and comfort from my friends here at HW PC as well. Thank you.