Hey all...
I just wanted to let you all know that mom passed away this morning. She went peacefully and beautifully holding sheila's and my hand with dad rubbing her head and marc rubbing her feet, with amy standing beside us, while billy was flying in and jenny was tending her kids... we all told her how much we loved her in the final moments and that we were all there for her and that we will always be there for each other and take care of each other... and after we all kissed her goodbye, i felt her final heartbeat / pulse in her hand fade away and she was gone...
it was exactly what mom wanted... she was home in her own bed, looking out at the bay with her family at her side and she was in no pain... she was in a semi-sedated state acknowledging us when we said funny comments or "i love yous" but in no pain and literally went into the "deep sleep" so to speak...
after a nice night with dad (minus us interrupting to change her pain medicine) :-) .. and sheila sneaking into their bed early in the am... she waited for me to, i guess to my "final" caretaker duties... making sure she was "fresh," as she would say, for her next journey... she held my hand tight and amy and i realized that it was it.. and we grabbed everyone to send her off the way she always wanted...
on behalf of me, my mom, dad, jenny, billy, marc, sheila, amy, don, donnie, julia, and liam.. and baby to be, we really appreciate all your love and support over our entire lives and especially over the past 5-6 months... it has been a rediculously fun, crazy, scary, and unbelievalbe roller coaster and there is no way we would have gotten through this all without you... so THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts..
Mom always said that she never wanted a Wake... she said..... "there is no reason for my family and friends to be in a depressing funeral home talking about the good ole times when they could be doing it at her house or a local bar or restaurant and really enjoying themselves and having a party!" .. so with that being said... our home is an open house for the next few days.. please feel free to stop by and reminise about mom, dad, us, whoever...
we will be having a Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Bay Shore on Wednesday, May 14th, 2008 at 11:00am followed by a lunch at Southward Ho Country Club about a mile down the road from the church... all are invited...
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care Network, 99 Sunnyside Blvd, Woodbury, NY 11797
Thanks again!
We love you!
Love,
The General and all her troops!
Rest in Peace, Aunt Pat.
ReplyDeleteWe're all sending you our love and prayers.
Thanks, Rachel, for sharing all of this with us who couldn't be there.
Love, Tom, Cathy, Mark, and Mary
So sad to hear the news but glad Pat left this world as she desired, with her family near and dear. Mom and Dad (John and Noreen Kearney)got the word yesterday, shortly before leaving for JFK to catch their flight for a vacation to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. Otherwise you know they would be with you now and at the funeral mass. I will try to stop in to pay my respects after work one evening this week. Love to all, Ellen Kearney Sweeney
ReplyDeleteUncle Bill and all my cousins:
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear of Patricia's passing. She was gorgeous in so many ways - I remember the sound of her laugh! Please accept my condolences and prayers from Chicago.
Thanks Rachel, for keeping us informed and for sharing your Mom's final chapter so generously. Your love, courage and humor are inspiring.
Love, Mike, Jennie, Will & Alec
Our heartfelt condolences to Billy and all the Griffins on the passing of dear Patricia. We are all so sad here in Cork Ireland. She was a fantastic person always in great form. We will always remember her hospitality to us and especially for Shane's 13th Birthday, you all made such a fuss of him. We will be thinking of you all over the next few days. Thank you Rachel for sharing the last few months of your Mom's life.
ReplyDeleteLove, Patricia, Garry and Shane xxx
We were so sorry to hear the sad news . Rest in Peace Patricia.
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you all at this time.
God Bless
Love
John and Ann Lyons, Joanne, Danny and all the family.