She made 100 years of age last September, but as if that was the goal, the path immediately became steeper and impossible to deny, until on March 28th, she had enough and punched her way through to lasting peace.

The ritual of going through her things at the nursing home turned this up. It was neatly folded and placed in her Bible. A Bible that is tattered and faded from use, though not in the last year or so.

It was a favorite poem that she had transcribed about 8 years ago at age 92. Pretty good for 92, eh? Years before, she would not have made some of the execution mistakes that appear below, but still...

And yes, she was in green ink mode at the time, but alternated with purple with equal affection.

Yeah, she was 100 and I'm 70, and the inevitability of death is well known to us, but as a pen bud said, "It's tough to lose a mom"!

Roger, I'm so sorry for your loss; you have my heartfelt condolences. My 94 year old grandmother died shortly before Easter, and I know that even though both these ladies were up there in age, it's never easy. Thank you for putting this up - it was lovely to read this poem written with a graceful hand - what a treasured keepsake for you. I know you'll cherish it.

Roger, I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you find some comfort in the beautiful note that you found and in your memories of her.

Bill

I lost my mom about three years ago -- and tomorrow is her birthday. May you find as I did that sad thoughts become happy memories.

Doug

Beautiful. May you live as long and have many happy memories of her.

hi,
my mom was 90 when she died and like your mother lived to the fullest almost till the day she died. the memories of my mom fills me with gladness that we had so much time together. my condolences to you and your family. i hope your memories of her warm you for all of your life.

regards, rebecca

:bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1:

Beautiful poem, and a fine hand indeed. Sorry for your loss Roger.

Sorry for your loss.

i'm sorry for your loss. death is never easy for any of us, no matter the age. i just lost a handicapped cousin last week and it was very hard although we know where he is at now and that he's at peace.
thank you for sharing a bit of your mother with the rest of us. i only wish i had that kind of handwriting now!

What lovelly, fluid writing: something indeed to treasure and after such a long life.

May you always think good thoughts about her.

Roger

Sorry for your loss.

Invictus - that poem has deep memories for me. It was one of my favorite poems in high-school, and I would recite the final stanza as a mantra to get through hard times. How much more meaningful from the hand of your Centarian mom.

Thank you for sharing.

John

I am sorry for your loss. May her memory be a comfort to you.

And what exquisite handwriting she had.

Very sorry for you loss, indeed.

My condolences Roger. We lost Mam many years ago to Alzheimers. It was very painful for a long time, but over the years I've discovered she's still in my head, 'keeping an eye om things'. Dad is 88 (haven't seen him since this afternoon ) and going strong.
The old cliche about time... is actually very true.
Regards,
Ruaidhrí

Roger, my condolences.
The handwritten note is a confirmation of the beauty of life. I hope it brings you good memories for a long, long time.

AntoniosZ

Roger, she lives on within your heart. What a nice tribute to share a glimpse of who she was through a favorite poem of hers.

Best wishes,
Ann

Sorry to hear about your mother's death - I pray you will find comfort and peace in your time of sorrow. The letter is a very nice remembrance - thanks for sharing something so special and precious to you.

Roger, I am sorry to hear of your loss. No matter how long a life may be, we always feel loss when they are gone.
Your mothers well worn Bible is a testiment to her relationship with God. She is in His hands now and reaping her heavenly rewards. We can celebrate knowing she has received what she lived her life for, peace in the loving arms of her Lord.

Hi Roger,

Sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you and yours. It is very caring and brave of you at the same time to share this wonderful poem and writing with us. Thank you for doing so.

Warmest regards, Wim

So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. My mother died in spring of 2000 and my dad died of cancer just after Thanksgiving in 2004. It's hard when a parent dies. Thank you for sharing the poem.
Take care.

"Master of her own fate" we should all be as lucky as she was. I feel for your loss. Celebrate her life as she would have wanted.

Roger, my condolences. So sorry to hear that.