Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Lenore, The Love Of His Life

On this 10th anniversary of my mom's death, I thought it appropriate to write a bit about how important she was to us. Lenore and Harry met at a church function and my dad was attracted to her because she was funny and fun. They both served in the church together for many years.

They both were very loving, caring and generous. With me being an only child, they took in three foster children even though they had only intended on taking in two so the three could stay together. I was thrilled with the idea of sharing my wonderful parents with other kids who needed a good home. It was fun having two sisters and a brother all at once and we grew up together.

Although my dad was the "head of the house" and when he said something, that was it, mom really handled all matters concerning us kids. Often she would convince my dad to let us do things that he felt wasn't a good idea. They discussed all decisions and dad appreciated her input. They were married I believe for 52 years! They had a good balance between them. Dad was reserved, mom more outgoing; dad was handy around the house, mom was nurturing and intuitive.

When mom got very weak and had to go into the hospital, dad stayed with her all day. He was 80 at the time and insisted on caring for her instead of having her go to a nursing home. He had nurses come by the house and he took care of her and even built a special step that she used for therapy. The nurses were amazed that dad could take such good care of her and said she was they're best patient and doing so well with her therapy.

Her last Thanksgiving with us was very encouraging to me. She seemed normal and was enjoying the holiday. I really thought she would be okay but she died a week later. One of the last things she said to me was that dad was a good man and I should take care of him. I tried to do just that.

Poor dad seemed so alone, but not for long. He soon let in some of the stray cats that he had been feeding outside because mom did not like cats and did not want them in the house. They were good company for him. The first week or so, my dad slept upstairs with his cats instead of in his own bed. It was just too hard without her by his side. I had a closer relationship with my mom but after she died, my dad and I became much closer and our relationship improved.

He was so cute though. He shared with me that he would often dream of her so it was like she was still with him and that he had two lives now--the one during the day and the one in his dreams at night. It's hard to believe mom's been gone now ten years. I'll never forget her or my dad. I loved them very much and miss them both.

Related Posts: A Letter To Mom (insight into our relationship)
A Thanksgiving to Remember

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7 comments:

Jude said...

It's great that you have such good memories of both your parents and the love they shared together and with those around them. I think it's wonderful when families share with those less fortunate, take care Karen.

Christina Lee said...

What a nice tribute to your mom- mine's been gone for ten years too!

Homestay Mama said...

You are really blessed to have had wonderful parents. That was a nice tribute to your Mom.

Sarahviz said...

Enjoy your weekend - happy SITS Saturday sharefest!

Karen MEG said...

What a lovely post about your Mom.
And your parents had a wonderful relationship too, which is amazing.

Thanks for stopping by my place during my SITS FB day!

Matt Keegan said...

Thank you for sharing memories of your life with your parents as well as your foster siblings.

Anniversaries can be difficult, but there is a reunion coming -- something for us to hold onto.

Blessings,
Matt

Donna Bragg said...

Sister,
That was an awesome article about your parents! You were indeed very blessed to have such wonderful parents, but you do not need me to tell you that...LOL!

I have not been on very much lately, I have been going through a rough time, but I am doing much better now.

I still have something to send you. I have not forgotten you my dear sister. I will get it to you soon.

I will try to stop by again soon.

GOD bless you!

Your sister in CHRIST,
Donna

"My Funny Dad, Harry" Book Giveaway

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