Ginger (in the Land of Oz) posted a note for Rebecca that says:
Rebecca, I just read your post for today and could not have heard words that could make me more happy! I rejoice with you in the progress you have made, knowing ...Read more
Rebecca, I just read your post for today and could not have heard words that could make me more happy! I rejoice with you in the progress you have made, knowing that this is only the beginning of continuing to feel better and stronger and more confident!
Terrie Ann calls us Heart Sisters, and I think it is so fitting. So precious Heart Sister, know that my prayers continue to lift you up and you have just given me a big lift, too!
Ginger ( in the Land of Oz) posted a note for Rebecca that says:
Rebecca,
Bless your sweet heart(yes, HEART)! I am touched by your kind words. The book I spoke of was a gift to me from one of my sisters on, yes, it's true, ...Read more
Rebecca,
Bless your sweet heart(yes, HEART)! I am touched by your kind words. The book I spoke of was a gift to me from one of my sisters on, yes, it's true, Mother's Day!
We each have a copy with highlighting and margin remarks throughout. We have even read parts of it back and forth to one another, as none of us live in the same state. The book, in fact, was not even written until 14 years after Mom died. But while I see Mom in my sisters, sometimes I feel like I need to hear what the book has to say.
Title: MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS: The Legacy of Loss
by Hope Edelman Copyright 1994
Publisher Addison-Wesley Publishing
ISBN 0-201-63288-8
There is a second book entitled
LETTERS FROM MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS: Words of Courage, Grief, and Healing
Edited and with an Introduction by Hope Edelman Copyright 1995
Publisher Addison-Wesley Publishing
ISBN 0-201-483574
This is also a wonderful book, as Hope was apparently flooded with many other letters after her book was published, I noted that Hope's mother died just a year later than mine, but Hope did not write her book until 14 years later. It touches upon the many ages at which one may have lost their mother, and it is apparent that the pain is tremendous.
From my way of thinking, the pain is directly proportional to the level of love and depth of relationship one has had with her mother.
These book are long out of print, but you should be able to find used copies without too much trouble. Sometimes the ISBN is the link that makes the difference.
But should you have a problem, please let me know. I have been doing different kinds of research all my life, and that has including tracking down copies of books recommended to me my someone many states away. There are stores and services that specialize, should the need be.
I spent many years trying to find a copy of a medical text written by my Great Grandfather in the late 1800s. It was 7th in a series of nine and I did not want all nine. But with patience I finally found a single copy green leather bound copy in great condition at the right price.
Then I loaned an out-of-print large book of Christian quotations to one of our pastors. And he had gotten attached to it! Took me two years to find an untouched copy. When I knocked on the door the Saturday it arrived, he answered and apologized for not having time - busy writing a sermon. I told him I thought he had a few minutes for this. We sat. He opened the box and all the packaging. He gave a gasp and tears started to flow. Then with a bit of an impish look, he said he could not give me my book back yet. He had been writing in it in pencil and wanted to transfer his notes and clean the book up for me. Easy solution -- I told him to keep his "loaner" and I would keep the new copy! It is so fun to be the giver of totally unexpected surprises!
So I am very much a lover of books!
And I will leave you with my favorite verse:
II Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a strong mind.
It is a great verse to carry in your heart or stick on your refrigerator, because I always seem to need it -- very reassuring and positive and encouraging.
My very best to you, Rebecca! I hope to hear from you soon!
Many gentle hugs, Ginger
Life is full of surprises. I was told I had a bicuspid aortic valve on November 18, 2013. On Dec 26, I was told I would need surgery. Less than two weeks later, ...Read more
Life is full of surprises. I was told I had a bicuspid aortic valve on November 18, 2013. On Dec 26, I was told I would need surgery. Less than two weeks later, I had my new valve. Looking forward to many years of ticking. I am 46 and mother to three young ones (14,8,5). I am almost 5 months post surgery and doing well. Hope you recover easily. So sorry about all you went through with your mom. Remember, patience is important in recovery.
Rebecca Swanson Wow. Your experience sounds similar, the difference being I have no little ones at home.
thank you f ... Read more
Rebecca Swanson Wow. Your experience sounds similar, the difference being I have no little ones at home.
thank you for the kind words about my mom, and patience is something I really need to grasp onto!
Ginger (in the Land of Oz) posted a note for Rebecca that says:
Rebecca,
You are light years ahead of me. I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, so I have had a heart murmur all of my life. I learned about it when I was ...Read more
Rebecca,
You are light years ahead of me. I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, so I have had a heart murmur all of my life. I learned about it when I was 15 (Mom had known all along.) And just learned yesterday that my surgery will be this year - and almost for sure this summer!
I hear in your voice your concerns as well as your deep love for your Mom. But remember that you are you, and while sadly your mom did not live long after surgery, your own story will be different. My own beloved Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 52. She was 56 when she died, and I was pregnant with our first child. I was diagnosed when I was 59. I had very successful surgery. Today, a couple of surgeries down the road, I am 61 and cancer free - a cure.
Remember your mother with love and keep up that spirit of seeing the newness and joy in life. I have already lived five years longer than my mother and I don't think God is done with me yet. Your story, while similar to your mom's, will not be the same either.
You will live to be old. Remind me and I will give you the name of a great book to read that will touch your heart and help you to heal from your loss. The important thing is you are alive and thriving, Grab those joyful moments in life that come every day if we will only pause to look and notice!
Rebecca Swanson Thank you than you for the words of encouragement and yes wisdom. I for the moment forgot how lucky ... Read more
Rebecca Swanson Thank you than you for the words of encouragement and yes wisdom. I for the moment forgot how lucky I was to be alive, and to have the great docs, family and friends that are so supportive.
I would love the name of the book when you get the moment. And thank you again,,,,I have printed your response and have it posted on the fridge!!