When you know someone this good!
By divalounger
@divalounger (6117)
United States
August 19, 2024 8:12pm CST
We have recently had a death in the family. My mother-in-law died earlier this month. She was 102 years old. In the last number of years, she suffered from dementia. Toward the end of July, she stopped being able to swallow. We all gathered and my husband and his siblings made sure someone was with her until her death.
She was a wonderful person, full of love and laughter. She taught piano until she was in her mid90's. She taught literacy in the jails into her 80s as part of her church community service efforts. She made sure everyone felt loved and appreciated. She had a long and vibrant life and will be missed.
Her life and death are really wonderful examples of how we can do good in this world. All too often we think entirely about ourselves--I am deeply grateful to her.
20 people like this
18 responses
@TheHorse (218548)
• Walnut Creek, California
25 Aug
Dang! I wish I had met her. I teach piano. I have worked in jails and prisons. My swallowing is not what it used to be. I want to live at least a few more years. But I am not sure how many. I hope her spirit visits me in my dreams tonight. I'm serious.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
26 Aug
She was a force of nature in many ways! I think you would have liked her. My husband and I were just talking about her. He has to write an obit and luckily, he has a lot of material to use--I hope you have as many good years ahead of you as you wish--
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
14 Sep
@TheHorse Hers was definitely that--it sounds like your aunt's was as well--
2 people like this
@TheHorse (218548)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Sep
@divalounger Yep she was one heck of a lady. She lives in me now.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (222852)
• Chile
20 Aug
Your mother must have been one of those persons that make you proud he have known her. May she rest in peace.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
She was indeed--It is great to have people like her in my life--and she is a role model for how to live joyously and lovingly--
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (79714)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
20 Aug
She certainly had a long and blessed life, Just thinking of how old she was makes me feel very tired, I am sorry she had to suffer at the end,
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
10 more doesn't seem like so many--you might ask for more and then go do something really wonderful in that time--
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (79714)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
20 Aug
@divalounger well, just the thought of living so many more years as she lived, I would figure for me the Lord might have at least ten more and I know I can look forward to good times beyond the clouds.,
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37227)
•
20 Aug
What a wonderful person she was, I am sorry you lost her. It does sound like she had a very nice life, and was very caring and giving of her time. She won't be forgotten.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
We are looking into park benches with placards on them in a couple of her favorite parks--I think she would have liked that
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
21 Aug
@MarieCoyle I think so too--Thank you!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37227)
•
21 Aug
@divalounger
That would be very nice, and used and appreciated by many people.Good idea!!
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (180455)
• United States
20 Aug
She sounds like a light in this world. Her work on earth is done, but she is leaving a legacy of love behind.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
She managed to raise 3 wonderfully joyous and loving children--so we are all lucky and have benefitted from her loving spirit--
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
Thanks Judy! I also have wonderful memories of her--and that helps--
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
I do think she lived a lot in her life--she was joyous--
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (178131)
• United States
20 Aug
I'm so sorry. Your MIL sounds like she was a wonderful person. I hope you can remember the good times.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
I have great memories of her and of my father-in-law--and so I find myself smiling and crying in the same moment sometimes
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
There is certainly a lot of evil in the world--for a bunch of reasons I think, but every small act of kindness that we can do, has a ripple effect and that is a good thing
1 person likes this
@solidcodes (1764)
• Philippines
20 Aug
RIP to her.
I wish she is n ow in heaven.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
Thank you! If there is a heaven I am sure she is there--having tea, singing, playing piano duets with her husband and laughing at something funny---
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
She will be missed indeed--I think some people do good just by being the person they are--she was like that--so when she did good it felt effortless --at least that is how it felt to me--
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
20 Aug
Thank you--I have to say that I feel really lucky--she was like a mother to me--
2 people like this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
15 Oct
She truly was--and we will carry her with us for the rest of our lives--
