Dorothy Ann Gides Reed June 7, 1936 - June 26, 2009

My passionate, funny, determined, wonderful mother passed away peacefully yesterday at 1:00 p.m.

Like I said, I did not think she would make it, and although she was still with us when I arrived in the morning, it was obvious it was not for long.  They had not been able to get a blood pressure reading for the past several hours, and they had the oxygen up as high as it would go.  

I held her hand, rubbed her forehead and talked with her about the ball she would be going to and that she needed to go be with Dad now.  Her breathing progressively slowed over the next hour or so, and she passed peacefully, much like my Dad.  And now, they are together once again, as they should be.

This is much harder than losing my Dad...And easier too.  I think the things that make it easier are part of what makes it harder.  When Dad passed, I did not have time to dwell, because there were things to be done.  I had to take care of Mom, and make all the plans, and take care of all of the details.

This time, I don't have anyone to take care of but myself (not really my strong suit in life), and I now know most of the things that need to be done, because I learned just a few short months ago.  I have contacts at the credit card companies, Social Security, the cremation place, the cemetery...There is no abstract business to focus on.  

Also, my immediate family, as I have always known it, is no more.  Being an only child, my private family memories and rituals were amongst the three of us.  And now there is only me.  I know that I have the most amazing friends and family to surround me and support me, and I am so grateful for that.  But there is something so final and so lonely about losing that piece of me.  

Today is very surreal.  But, taking a moment for myself, to relax, be peaceful, reminisce, and think about all the good times and the gifts my parents have bestowed upon me will help me to move forward from this moment.

I will post information on the service as soon as I have the details.

Much love and God bless Dorothy...May she rest in peace.