Kathryn Carlson McCloskey
June 30, 1929-October 23, 2018
My mom passed away this past week. Her little body was just wearing out, and shutting down. I was so thankful to spend her last days with her. After her Memorial Mass, my sister, nephew and I spoke. Here are the words that I shared.
My Mom
Thank you everyone for coming today.
I was married to my beloved Rich for 43 years, in this very church over 48 years ago, but my longest relationship was with my mom for over 69 years, and 8 months.
She taught me how to love and be loved.
She passed on the seasonal decorating gene to me and how to make a cozy home.
She had such a sense of style and always looked so fashionable, with matching shoes, belt, jewelry, and cute clothes. I always try to look my best because of her. She always sent me home with clothes from her closet, and they were always bought on sale. In fact, this dress I have on today, my mom sent home with me last summer.
Even though my mom didn't like to cook, she always had such good, home cooked meals. She let me cook in her kitchen from when I was just a little girl.
Mom and I always laughed and laughed together, We always thought we were so funny and just cracked each other up. She was such fun!
Mom taught me to say my prayers and to believe in God.
Mom was always interested in what I was doing each day, and when I'd tell her, she'd say, "Oh, you're so lucky!" She loved hearing about all of our family, and the grandchildren, and great great children.
It was such a gift and an honor to help care for mom, along with my angel of a sister, Amy, during her final days on earth and her transition into heaven.
I will continue to try my best to make both of my parents proud. There will always be an invisible umbilical cord between mom and I until I'm with her in heaven.
She was so loved and will be so missed.
Even though it was such a sad event, it was happy at the same time. I saw a friend from elementary school, another from high school, two families of now grown ups, that I babysat for years ago, a special cousin and her husband, my wonderful friends that we had in Ohio, then moved to Texas, and were in Columbus to visit, and nieces, nephews, a brother and sister-in-law, and three of my four kids that came into town. It was so nice to connect and share memories of someone that touched so many lives.
Thank you for your kind visit. xo
I am sharing with these lovely parties:
Oh Kitty, I am so sad to hear of the passing of your beautiful mum. How wonderful you and your sister were able to care for her in her last days here on earth. She sounds as if she was a gorgeous soul who made others happy. Such a lovely photo of her pouring tea! She was a stylish lady, wasn't she. How blessed you were to share her fun and laughter and all those beautiful mother/daughter memories that you will cherish in your heart forever. To have a mother such as your beautiful mom is a wondrous and gracious gift from God. Just think, she has a wonderful new body and is keeping a place just for you. Why, she will have the prettiest tea cup and teapot waiting just for you. Sending you a basket of hugs, beautiful Kitty, wrapped up in oodles of beautiful thoughts and love. I will be thinking of you. ♥
ReplyDeleteDear Kitty, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your lovely mother. Your tribute to her was beautiful and you both were blessed to have had such a wonderful relationship.
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady
I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful home going message about your mom. May God bless you with beautiful memories during this time of sorrow for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteDear Kitty,
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you and thinking of you every day this past week. You have such lovely memories, so you are blessed! Your tribute was beautiful. I'm certain she was very proud of you. The picture of your mom is a charming one and so nice to have. Do take care and know that I will continue to pray for you. Love and hugs...Sandi
Dearest Kitty, I have been praying for you my friend. Have thought about you so very much. How precious your talk Kitty. I can only imagine your loss and grief. Will be praying for you in the days to come. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteOh, Kitty, I am so very sorry. I know your Mom would be so touched by your wonderful tribute and so proud of her dear, thoughtful, kind daughter. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope the treasured memories you share will help you through this difficult time. Sending you hugs and love xo K
ReplyDeleteHello Kitty, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. It was good that you were able to be with your mom before she passed away. What wonderful times you both shared with each other. It was such a beautiful tribute to your mom. I'm sending prayers your way for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJulie
My grandmother, who missed her mother every day for the rest of her life on earth, would tell me that the loss of a mother means that one has lost her dearest friend and best advocate on earth. I agree. If one has a good mother, one has a great treasure and one who supports uncondtionally. I am so glad that you had a good mom who loved you so. And I am glad that you will have no regrets for you have been there like the good daughter that you are. Much comfort to you...it must be a relief to know that she is safely home and young again.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful beautiful words - I feel like you have made her known to me! How you will miss her - but what a truly wonderful example and support she was to you and I am sure many others ♥
ReplyDeleteOh Kitty, I have been wondering how your mom was...of course I was teary reading this, but I do understand that it was sad yet happy. Knowing how sweet you are, it is easy to imagine what a wise and gracious lady she was, and the fact that she had a fun side and a sense of humor makes her all the more special. The words you spoke were lovely and heartfelt, and I know a burden of worry has been lifted off your shoulders. I am praying for your peaceful heart,
ReplyDeleteXO Jenna
My deepest sympathy,Kitty...Wonderful tribute to your mother.God bless you,hugs.Maristella.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss, I know a little of how you are feeling having lost my own mother earlier in the year. I still think of her daily. But there is always hope and the knowledge that we will all meet again in heaven. Thank you for sharing about your Mom, she was a real blessing :)
ReplyDeleteDiana
Dearest Kitty, my heart breaks for you as I read this tribute you gave to your mother. My hope is that the memories of love and faith will carry you through the dark moments sure to come at the most unexpected times, and that they will also lift you up and keep a smile on your heart through the tears. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. XO
ReplyDeleteDearest Kitty, I've been thinking of you and am so sorry to hear of your sweet mom's passing. Your words make me teary-eyed and touch my heart. I imagine you in the kitchen with your mom in the same way you are with your grands, creating fun food along with fond memories. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. ♥
ReplyDeleteDear Kitty, I am so sorry to read the news of your mom's passing. There's no doubt you will miss her dreadfully. Your words of tribute show how much she meant to you, and a bit of the wonderful woman she was. I pray for God's loving arms to wrap you with His comfort and peace as you walk through these difficult days.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lorrie
Sending you long distance, comforting {{{HUGS}}} as you grieve the loss of your sweet Mother. She was truly a gem & you have inherited many of her qualities. That was a lovely tribute to her long & well lived life. I can only pray that my daughter can say those same things about me, after I'm gone. Love ya', Kiddo. Sending prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss. What a sweet relationship you had with her. She will always be near.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry for your loss, Kitty. What a touching eulogy for your beloved mother. I've always admired her fashion sense and would have worn the clothes that I saw on your photos. I also loved how she always bought her clothes on sale. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAll are in my prayers!
Your words were so beautiful in honor of your precious mother.
ReplyDeleteMy heart felt condolences go out to you and your family.
Those of us who are left behind miss our loved ones greatly, but what joy when we know they are with the Lord in heaven free of any pain or sorrow.
Your were blessed with a dear mother such as yours, my prayer is that you will find great comfort in the God of all comfort on those days when you will certainly miss the laughter you once shared with your mom.
God bless you, dear Kitty~
Kitty, you have written such a beautiful and loving tribute to your mother. Sending hugs and prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteDearest Kitty, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. She was a beautiful lady and I know is so very proud of you. Your words were lovely and reflective of the sweet spirit your mother was and now carries on in heaven. I know your mother lives on in your heart and everything you do each day. May God Bless you with comfort in the days ahead.
ReplyDeleteSending sympathy and love your way.
Celestina Marie
What a precious tribute to your Mom. My Mom passed away 10 years ago and you never get over it but you do get through it. Blessings to you during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteOh Kitty - what a precious and sweet tribute to your dear mom. You were SO brave to be able to share at her celebration of life. I've prayed for you often since I read of her passing. Moms leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same. God bless you richly in these days of adjustment and grief. Love & Hugs to you Sweet Friend. XO
ReplyDeleteI'm giving you virtual hugs Kitty! Your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. You will always be blessed with the sweet memories of your Mom and all the laughter you two shared together. ❤
ReplyDeleteKitty, I'm happy for you that you had such a wonderful mother to share your life with! She sounds like she was a perfect mother. I will remember her words to you about you being lucky about the little things in life. That's where the real heart of the day is. I must remember to remind my daughters too.
ReplyDeleteOh, Kitty, I'm so sorry to read of your mother's passing. I enjoyed reading what you said about here, and know that you'll always have her in your heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Kitty. What a lovely tribute to your mom. This brought tears to my eyes. Yes, there is a bond and some day heaven.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your mom. She sounds like she was a delightful person.
ReplyDeleteKitty, so sorry to hear about your Mother. I'm sure she was very proud of you. Wishing you and yours well during this time. Hugs...
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss Kitty. Please know I'm thinking about you, take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss of your precious mother Kitty! How wonderful that you got to spend 69 years with her, and such a treasure of beautiful memories you have! I love the thoughts you shared, so very special, and I liked the imagery of the invisible umbilical cord, that is just beautiful. What a special lady your mother was, I enjoyed hearing how she loved to dress up and having that special sense of humor, I'm sure the laughs you had through the years will continue to bless your heart. So thankful that you got to enjoy visiting with so many people that you hadn't seen in a long time at the service. Praying for you sweet friend, in the days ahead! Many hugs and blessings :)
ReplyDeleteKitty, I am sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman and your description made me think of you. You are always baking and enjoying special moments with your grandchildren. Prayers and love sent your way.
ReplyDeleteKitty, I am very sorry for your loss. This was such a wonderful tribute to your beautiful Mom. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteOh Kitty, I am so sorry to hear of your beloved Mom's passing to Heaven! She was indeed a lovely lady and I always enjoyed seeing pictures of her and hearing about her. You favor her and I know she was so proud of you. Your words about her were so loving and sweet.
ReplyDeleteYou will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Kitty, what a beautiful tribute to your dear mother in the words you shared. She certainly sounded like a wonderful mom and a little bit of a firecracker! Although it breaks our hearts that they are gone from this earth, what a joy it is to know that there will be a grand reunion in heaven one day. And I so agree about funerals/memorial services being a glorious home going celebration. A bittersweet time for sure, made so much more special when we are able to see so many faces from our past. Sending prayers and hugs your way, dear friend! ♥
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, Kitty! What a sweet and heartfelt tribute to your dear mother. How wonderful that you and your sister got to take care of her at the end of her life.
ReplyDeleteOh, sweet friend!!!! I am SO sorry! Oh, my heart goes out to you so much in this time of deep, deep loss! I haven't had access to the internet hardly at all and am only now getting the chance to send this. Please know that you are surely in my thoughts and prayers. Bless your dear heart. Sending much love and many hugs to you. Please keep looking up.
ReplyDeleteI am sad that you and your family are sad. Even though we know what’s coming, it doesn’t make the reality any easier. You have many of your Mom’s traits and talents and skills to sustain you from here on, and I know you will continue to do her proud. Blessings and peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious tribute to your mom. How wonderful that you, your mom and your sister were all together at the end of her life. I hope your mom knew how many friends you have made because she taught you how to be a dear friend. xo
ReplyDeleteI just some how found your blog. I am so sorry for the passing of your Mom, but she is in the hands of God now,and I believe smiling down at you..
ReplyDeleteI just some how found your blog. I am so sorry for the passing of your Mom, but she is in the hands of God now,and I believe smiling down at you..
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt sympathies on the passing of your mom. As difficult that it is, it is a blessing to have been able to be with her on her last days. May your cherished memories comfort you.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely words about your mom and your times together.. I’m sorry for your loss dear Kitty.. may the LORD comfort you at this time. Blessings to you and your family.. sending love and warm hugs with Love Janice
ReplyDeleteKitty, I am saddened by the passing of you sweet mother. I know it was a blessing you and your sister were with your mother at the end of her life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May her memories soothe the hole in your heart. Much love to you.
ReplyDeleteDear Kitty,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read about your mom's passing. I tried to leave a comment sooner, but my computer's security system [Webroot] wouldn't let me. I contacted them, and it had something to do with their classification of blogs. They've amended it, and I can now read your posts and reply without any difficulty. I know you were close to your mom, and her passing will be especially difficult during the upcoming holidays. You will be in my prayers that God will comfort your heart. Your tribute to her was lovely. Hugs across the miles, Phyllis
Oh Kitty! I just saw this post! I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mom! But what a wonderful tribute to an amazing women of God!! And I know you pass those same traits on to those around you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
My dear sweet friend,
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for the loss of your precious Mom. You have given her a beautiful tribute in this post and in the kind of woman that you are, I know that she must have been very proud of you and loved you very much. Leonard and I along with our Full Plate Thursday community send you our thoughts, prayers and love. May God hold you in His loving arms. I am sharing this post on our features page this week, it is so precious!
My condolences, Kitty. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words about your mom. I lost my mom in January, and can truly empathize with the depth of your loss. So many pieces of you are pieces of her. Now we carry our mothers' light into the world. Wishing you peace.
ReplyDeleteKitty, what a sweet tribute to your mother. She was so blessed to be able to reach the end of her long life under the care of two lovely daughters. And in the midst of all this you took the time to send your well wishes to me last week (and I am getting better every day). Hugs.
ReplyDeleteWhat you and your sweet mom shared is not the "norm". You WERE truly blessed with a wonderful mom who passed on so much of herself in you.
ReplyDeleteYour post is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week and thanks so much for sharing it with us! Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us soon!
ReplyDeleteMiz Helen
Good afternoon, sweet friend. I have been way to absent from blogging and I must say that it was a blessing to catch up on your blog today. Oh, how I have missed popping in. Your grandson's are such handsome fellows and your treats from the newer posts have my mouth watering. You always make the best goodies, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a precious post about your dear mother. What a special lady...and I can only imagine how much you must miss her. I have been praying for you and I will continue to do so. Sending you LOTS OF LOVE, dearest Kitty!
Oh Kitty, I feel your pain. We both suffered a loss that week. May she rest in peace, and know she will always be around you. ❤️🙏
ReplyDeleteYou already know how I feel about this loss. But let me say here that she was an awesome lady, and her daughters are just like her.....beautiful inside and out, sweet, kind, tiny
ReplyDeleteand just so gracious.
God bless her and keep her. Hope she and my mom have met. : - )
Much love to you and yours, Kitty. ♥
I am so so sorry.