Friday, November 20, 2009

Winnie Jolicoeur: January 20, 1933 - November 19, 2009

Dear friends,
Yesterday, as the sun-filled morning crept towards afternoon, I was blessed to be sitting by my mom's bedside and holding her hand as she took her last breath.

Though my family is filled with the grief of losing her, we're relieved that her immense suffering is over, and buoyed by the outpouring of support from family and friends, as well as the beautiful series of events that led to my being with her at that time.

Thank you for the comments you've left here this week. I checked in and read them each night, and they've brought much comfort.

38 comments:

Marianna said...

My condolonces on the loss of your beloved mother. May God's peace be yours.

Gigi said...

My heart and thoughts are with you and your family, Melanie. May your memories of your mother bring you comfort and strength at this sad time.

All my best wishes,
Gigi

dinahmow said...

My thoughts are with you, Melanie.

Leslie Avon Miller said...

I extend my sympathy for you and your family. It is a heart felt time.

Marcy said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. What a comfort though to be there for her. I would love to hear more about her, it sounds like she was an incredible woman.

My heart will be with you and your family in the days ahead.

kristen said...

Oh I'm so very sorry. You and yours are in my thoughts, Melanie. xo

Karen L R said...

m.

to be with your mom, holding her hand at the last.

sacred.

may grace sit with you and the ones you love.

xoxoxoxo

R.E. Wolf said...

Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

magpie said...

so so sorry.
glad you were able to be there.
my thoughts are with you.

Liza said...

Blessings to you and your mother. Someone you don't know is praying for you.

quiltcat said...

What a beautiful picture of your mother! And what a blessing that you were able to be with her as she drew her last breath. I am saddened for all of you but thankful that her suffering is over. May you be comforted by loving memories of your mother.

Kamana said...

My thoughts are with you and your family. May she rest in peace.

Leau said...

It is indeed a privilege to allowed to participate in the transition, a final gift from your mother but there will be more, always look for them. Do what you need to as you begin a brand new journey with her. My heart to your heart...smooches

sukipoet said...

I'm so sorry about your mom. And so glad that you were there with her. So meaningful for her and for you. Sending prayers and hugs. Best, Suki

ina said...

May the Goddess guard her. May she find her way to the Summerlands. May her friends and her family know peace.

I am so sorry for your loss, Melanie. I am so glad, though, that you have family and friends to gather around you at this difficult time.

My thoughts and love are with you.

Bethany said...

So so sorry. What a blessing for both of you. For you to be there when she took her last breath and her there when you took your first. She must be an amazing woman to have created such a soulful, silly, creative, thoughtful daughter. You carry her with you.

Ruth said...

Somehow I knew before I read the title of this post that it would bear sad news. I'm so sorry for you. But your mother must have been an incredibly lucky woman to have had her family with her. I'm praying for you! With time, everything gets better.

Ange said...

Words just don't seem to fill the empty spaces...

Ange said...

It seems like your Mother's sirname (and your own?) is particularly apt... Everything goes on, it just changes form... Courage. Love Ange

JC said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Brian said...

Heart filled thoughts to you Melanie. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Brian

Wanda said...

May you all be comforted.

Kelly Jeanette said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad you were able to be with her at the end. My prayers are with your family.

Maggie's garden said...

My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss...but glad you were there with your mom as she made her transition.
Love and Hugs
karen and the pooches

Leslie said...

I'm sorry for your loss, but glad that you were there. That's a precious gift. Wishing you peace.

Poetic Artist said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.. I hope you have sweet memories during your time of grief. It is good you were by her side.
Katelen

Marie said...

Oh, m. I'm so sorry. You were with her.

I don't know what to say.

Vince's grandmother died in his mother's arms this week. It is a hard time for daughters and sons...

She will always be round the corner.

xxxx

Suz said...

I add my thoughts and prayers for you
Blessings

Penny said...

I'm so sorry for your loss - my love and thoughts are with you and your family.

Isabel said...

“In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing."

R. Ingersoll

My heart reaches out to yours.May you find peace in knowing that mother's love will be forever holding you.

ELK said...

what a lovely snap shot of her, thank you for posting it. Ah Melanie , I have such mixed emotions as I am sure you must as well...I am so glad that you were there for her..with her..it is a really sacred experience as I did with my mom..blessings and take it easy on yourself...

Rowena said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I can tell she was loved greatly.

Oliag said...

Dear m,

May strength and peace be with you and your family during this sad time...this is when one discovers how important ties with family and friends are...My thoughts and heart go out to you...

Jolicoeur...what a beautiful name:)

xo
Gail

Teri said...

Melanie--It is Monday and I just checked in and was so shocked to read your post. I am so sorry to hear about your sad news. She went the same day as my best friend, Lela, and if I know Lela, she was there waiting for Winnie. Fellow artists, you know! I was so sad all day grieving for Lela and some part of me must have known about Winnie too. It was just too much sadness for one day. What can I do for you?

margieandkath said...

we are so sorry for the loss of your dear mother, of blessed memory.

sherry ♥ lee said...

My condolences and deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. No loss is ever easy to bear, but the loss of our mother touches us in a way that no other does. My heart is with you.

katie jane said...

So sorry for your loss, Melanie. I know I haven't commented for a while, but I have been checking in periodically to see what's new in your life. I'm so sorry to discover this unfortunate news. I wish you comfort in that your mother's pain is over.

Juddie said...

Oh Melanie,
I've been away and have only just checked your blog this morning. I'm so sorry to hear this news ... please know that you are in my thoughts.
~ J

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