Saturday, February 18, 2023

If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away


Joyce LaGrow Lapierre
8/11/35-2/17/23

Early yesterday morning I lost the most important person in my life, my best friend, my confidant, my mom.

We were so connected, so much alike, that we could finish each other's sentences. With one look we knew what the other was thinking. People even said we sounded the same on the phone.

We shared an intense passion for cats, Christmas, and collecting. We would go shopping and pick out the exact same things. Over the past year mom wasn't able to shop with me anymore, but it was always so much fun to bring home my latest "finds" for her to enjoy.

There hasn't been a single day in my 45 years that we didn't talk, either in person or on the phone. I shared everything with her, good and bad. Already at least 10 things have happened that made me think, "wait till I tell mom that..." and then it hits me that I can't, and I won't be able to ever again. That's a fact I can't even wrap my head around yet. Just as hard is thinking of things I forgot to tell her, or put off telling her over the past couple weeks until she felt better.

I love you mom, and I already miss you so much I can hardly stand it. Many people have told me that you're in a better place, that you're no longer in pain, and that may be true, but it doesn't stop me from aching to have you back here with me.

I'll be sure to give Mudpie a hundred extra kisses for you each day, because I know you adored her just as much as she adored you. I don't think I would be able to get through this without her.

You've been reunited with our beloved cats at the Rainbow Bridge, and that brings me the most comfort of all.



46 comments:

John Holton said...

So sorry for your loss...

Zoolatry said...

Melissa ~ my heart hurts for you on the loss of your beloved Mom. There truly are no words to share at this time, grief travels its own path through time. Just know that so many others do care for you though and feel your sadness.
May God watch over you, with his love.
Ann

Lynn and Precious said...

Dear Melissa, I am so sorry that your mother has passed away. I realize how terribly hard it is to get through. You are in my prayers and I also pray that your father is recuperating. I will certainly be thinking of you everyday. Lynn

TurtleLover said...

((hugs)) and prayers

Mickey's Musings said...

Melissa, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news.
Mums are special people and when you have such a strong bond,
the loss is harder. I am sending you lots of love and virtual hugs.
Nancy

Basil and The B Team ~ BionicBasil ® said...

Melissa, we are truly sorry to read this terribly sad news and send mew our heartfelt condolences. We send mew oodles of hugs and gentle purrs.

Patricia T said...

I’m so sorry for your loss, Melissa. You will miss her forever but you will always be connected. I’m sending up a prayer for you and your dad, at this time.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Dear Melissa, our hearts ache for you with the loss of your beloved Mom. We know how tough a loss like that is and we're thinking of you, your Dad and sweet Mudpie during this most difficult time. Love and hugs from all of us.

pilch92 said...

Melissa, I am so sorry. My heart breaks for you. I wish I had some words of comfort, but there are none at this time. XO

My Mind's Eye said...

Melissa my sincere condolences for the loss of your Mother. My thoughts using the letters of Mother.

Most beloved
Our biggest supporters
Tender loving care
Huge hearts
Excellent life coaches
Rare gems

Hugs Cecilia

da tabbies o trout towne said...

my sincerest condolences to you and your family Melissa.

sending hugs❤️❤️

laura

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Our condolences on the loss of your mother

Sandee said...

I'm so very sorry. Big healing hugs. ♥

Gidget Blue Sky said...

we r so sorry fur your loss, purrz

Kea said...

I am deeply sorry to read of your mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this incredibly challenging time. Be gentle with your Self; wishing you peace and blessings.

Molly the Airedale said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. Huge hugs♥

Cathy Keisha said...

Thoughts and prayers at this time. We shared most of our thoughts on your FB post. Your mother is still with you, sharing everything although you can't see her. I know you have a lot of work to do now that you never wanted to have to do. Hopefully you have other family members who can help you. Hope your dad is doing well and sending comforting purrz his way.

The Florida Furkids said...

((((hugs)))) CK is right, she is still with you.

The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Melissa what can one say when the person we lost is right in the center of our lives? Sadly, there is nothing anyone can offer to help ease the pain and sadness. I know I too feel such deep sorrow for you and your family, and it seems like such a meager offering, but grief, well grief has it's own pathway for each of us. My heart aches for you and I will keep you in my thoughts. Always know the love your Mother had for you will be there.

catladymac said...

Purrayers for you (and Mudpie) as you miss your wonderful Mother. My Mother died in 1987 and it took probably 25 years before I stopped waking up thinking "Oh - I need to ask Mom about that!" But you are right in taking comfort in thinking of the welcomne she got on the other side.

meowmeowmans said...

We are so sorry for your loss, Melissa. Sending you, Mudpie, and your dad love and gentle purrs sad you mourn the loss of your beloved mother. 💔

- Kevin, Tracey, and Ava

Ruby Rose and the Big Little Angels 3 said...

I am so sorry you lost such a lovely person. Our moms begin to prepare us for this moment from the minute they met us.

Marvelous Marv said...

Thank YOU for sharing your Mom with us. She sounds as incredible as you. I wish you comfort over these tough days and weeks. Sending you love, prayers and strength. Barb

Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs said...

My sincere sympathies on the loss of your precious Mom.
May God uphold you and surround you with His love and peace as you travel though these difficult days.

Loulou said...

Oh, how lucky you were to have had such a mom. We send you hugs and kind thoughts and you will always have her wisdom and kind acts in your heart and memory. You will never get over missing your mom, and that's a GOOD feeling that will soften your sadness, my mama says. She still misses her mama after many years, but every day she thinks about the things her mama taught her and loves that.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I send love and my condolences.

The J-Cats said...

Melissa, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear Mom. May she rest in peace and may her memory be for a blessing.
Hugs to you.

And purrs from the furry trio to Mudpie, on the loss of her Grandma.

Three Chatty Cats said...

Melissa, I'm so sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts, and I'm sending lots of hugs.

The Swiss Cats said...

Melissa, we're so sorry for your loss. We send you tons of love. Purrs and hugs

Erin the Cat Princess said...

We are so sorry for your loss, Melissa. It will hit hard, I know, but she gave you the tools to carry on, and she will never be far from you. Her legacy will the strength she has given you, the love and knowledge.
Gentle purrs
ERin

Eastside Cats said...

Our deep condolences to you and your family.

Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty said...

We are so sorry, Melissa.

'"wait till I tell mom that..." and then it hits me that I can't, and I won't be able to ever again -' I totally understand this as it's what keeps hitting me when I think about my dear late brother as I can't tell him anything anymore.

You and your family are in our thoughts.

Sending purrs and love

Athena and Marie xx

John Bellen said...

There is no one like a parent, no one who knows you so well, and no one who loves you so much. When they die, one feels a unique absence. But they live in us, in who we are and what we are. It still hurts when they go, though, very much.

Godspeed, wonderful lady.

messymimi said...

Our first home is in the heart of our parents and we can't have them long enough.

Please accept my condolences, i am very, very sad for your loss.

The Island Cats said...

Melissa,I am so very sorry. You were blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with your mother. She’ll always be with you. (((Hugs))) ~Sue

M Dawson said...

I have never forgotten your absolute generosity to Bootsie's fundraiser back in 2015 and the beautiful Christmas ornaments that made a huge difference to securing Bootie's future. Now I know where you got your joy and generous spirit and love of Christmas from, your Mom.

Words are never enough. You know Moms are special, and one and only's, you know you had each other and her pride in you and your achievements must have been immense.

Huge hugs from me, and I know torties Sienna and foster Sunny send their best to Mudpie.

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

I and The Mews all offer our thoughts and purrs to you. Both my parents have left my life and I miss both, so I understand the feeling of loss. It is never easy.

Rene said...

Sending love and condolences to you and your family.

Katie Isabella said...

Dear Melissa. The sorrow you have is overwhelming for a time. I can safely say I know what it is, having gone through it as well. I am sending you warm love and prayers and understanding. And I am here if you need me. Hugs and love. Always.

VickyC said...

So sorry to hear that your mom passed. Sending big hugs your way.

Hairballsandhissyfits.com said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. So glad you have Mudpie at your side during this difficult time!

Fur Everywhere said...

We are so sorry, Melissa. We know how much your mom means to you. Sending purrs and love and hugs.

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

I'm so very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My heart is with you. Sending hugs.

Peachy, Stippie, Angel Binky and Granny said...

So sorry about the loss of your mom, Melissa and Mudpie. It's heartbreaking to lose someone so near😿Soft Pawkisses to comfort your broken heart🐾😽💞
Fly free beautiful Soul✨

Kitties Blue said...

Dear Melissa and Mudpie, Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. How wonderful that you had such a special connection of friendship with your mom along with being mother ne daughter. I never had that with my mom when she was alive. She died at age 45 when I was 16. We know it won’t be the same as she will not verbally reply, but never stop talking to your mom. We are certain she will hear you. We are so happy that you and Mudpie have each other. Sending love and warm hugs as you grieve, Janet & Kitties Blue 💓🙏🏻

Robert J. Smith said...

My sincere condolences.