What an amazing day we had yesterday! Celebrating my Mom. Thank you to all who came to the service and to the many gatherings we had throughout the weekend. It was such a pleasure to see friends and family gather together for one common reason...the love we share for Kathy/Mom. For me, being with all of you was so helpful in my healing. The kind and loving words, the hugs, and the tears all continue to help fill this void that looms in my soul.
It was God who got us through the day, with Mom by His side...and who carried me through the Eulogy. I was sure I was wasn't going to be able to stand up there and read it in front of all of you. I even had Bryan ready as a back up.
But seeing everyone there in the crowd:
-- faces I hadn't seen in years that warmed my heart.
-- friends that came to support all of us
-- Mom's dear friends that miss her so much
-- bible study friends of mom's and mine that prayed so diligently for months on end.
-- Tani's/Yamamura's that brought such love and support to my Dad and to Tony and I.
-- The many, many Nolans (and Auntie Pat's eyes!) that gathered at my house and made it feel just like my Mom's house.
-- my nieces that have supported me emotionally and physically throughout Mom's sickness
-- my brother and his wife who I love dearly
-- and my husband and children that I live for
all of you, gave me the courage and the strength to get through it (and the day!).
So thank you again to all of you. Thank you for reading this blog. Thank you for praying for my Mom and for our family. Thank you for you love and for your support.
Some asked if I will keep this blog "open". Yes, it will always be open. I will post again when we get back from Maui to let you all know about the service there. And then we will see where we go from there.
Aloha and Mahalo!
Mandy
Yes it was a fitting tribute to your mom that also brought healing and peace to many of us. As much as I think the world would be a better place with your mother here with us, I've had to accept that she's not. I've been pondering the mortality & eternal life issue and reminding myself that this time on earth and time of separation from loved ones is very short. I dreamed of Kathy about a week ago. She was happy and strong and I told her I would see her soon.
ReplyDeleteMandy, you were the most gracious host, I don't know if I could have done ALL that you did, I'm sure you are exhausted, but your mom was definitely working through you this week-end..We are so blessed with so much family, and i was reminded of that because of this event. I love you, will continue to keep you in my prayers, and we need to get together more often and laugh!!
ReplyDeletelove, Kellie
I am so sorry we couldn't be there! You are a wonderful daughter! Give your Dad a hug, Marcie
ReplyDeleteMandy:
ReplyDeleteYou were your mothers daughter this week-end.You and your beautiful family made everyone feel welcome and special. You now need to rest and relax, knowing your Mom is so proud of you. Saturday evening was a wodmerful healing event for the Nolans, full of stories and laughs. Your Mom was loving every minute of it. Enjoy your time in Hawaii. We will be with you in spirit.
Love to you, your Dad and your family.
Aunt Terry
The memorial was so perfect in every way!
ReplyDeleteMandy, thank you for opening your home to family and friends. It was a special time for healing our broken hearts.
We will be thinking of you this Sunday at sunset, and will say a special prayer in memory of your mom. We are so happy Todd & family will be there with you. God has a way of giving Todd the right words to say which in turn will help you with the healing process.
We love you and may God watch over you during your stay in Maui.
Aunt Joan & Uncle Mike