My Mom, Lillian, connected to everyone in her life in different ways.
She talked regularly on the phone with her many friends, and her family and her way of ending the call was to say “I’m going to love and leave you“. So many people have told me she ended her calls to them like that also, I’m Going to Love You and Leave You.
She remembered special dates of family and friends by writing them in her little book and would call or send a card. I remember getting a phone call from her wishing me Happy 10th Anniversary for my successful cataract surgery (I had forgotten the date, and lost track of the years!) Obviously she remembered all kinds of events 🙂
Lillian was creative in many ways. She loved painting, and painted in oil, and water colour. She also enjoyed drawing and on my desk, below my keyboard is a drawing she made in 1967 of Tiger (my german shepherd) that she covered in plastic so I would always have it. I think of Mom every time I sit at my desk.
Lillian’s creativity was useful also, she studied and mastered card folding and included her needlepoint in beautiful gift cards, get well cards, birthday cards, thinking of you cards. People tell me that they saved every card and bookmark Mom ever made them because it was special, handmade and personal.
Mom also loved to make relish, and jams and when I pull out one of Mom’s relishes from the pantry and every-time I use them I am reminded how she cared for the people in her life and demonstrated that care.
Mom had faith in God, and before you ate at her table or left her home to travel to your own, she made you stop so she could pray for you and your safe trip, It was not unusual to get a phone call from her so she knew you had arrived home safely.
Lillian loved to knit, and she made toques and slippers especially. The slippers were soft and especially appreciated by family, who like warm feet in the winter time, I guess that means everyone 🙂 Toques she knitted by the hundreds all summer long while she was watching TV with Dad. These toques were donated to the homeless in Vancouver for the cold damp winter months, and I loved her toques because they were warm, colourful and not too tight, a bonus because a tight toque makes my hearing aids squeal.
Mom was special and will be remembered for the loving person she was. I will remember her in countless ways, because she showed her love for me in countless ways.
Mom showed that love and kindness to my Dad, my brother, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She showed that kindness to her entire family, her nieces and brother in law, sisters in law, and her church family.
I’ll be talking always to you Mom, you loved and left me too soon.
Mom & I in Quesnel – approximately 1965
My Mom, Lillian passed peacefully June 6, 2018 and left a hole I can never fill in my life.
Missing you Mom.
Thanks for reading. I wasn’t sure if I would blog about my Mom’s passing. This post is not about me, it’s about her and the life and person she was. I was fortunate to be her son. I was so glad I stood and spoke at her funeral because I wanted to share how I remember her, and it was six minutes I prepared for and yet it was a day I never wanted to experience. I know she would have been proud of her son speaking out and it was my last gift to her. Life is a gift, hug those you love as much and as often as you are able, you won’t regret it.
Life and Random Thinking 
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Oh Dave this is beautiful made me cry. Your mom sounds like an amazing lady. Wish we could have met her. Thinking of you and looking forward to being able to give you a hug soon. Xxxx
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Thank you Julie. You would have loved her and she was petite like you and Mandy.
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Sad news, it’s never easy to lose a loved one.
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I appreciate your empathy Andrew.
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It’s a beautiful tribute (((hugs)))
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I hoped it was and I am grateful you see it as such. Thank you.
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I’m sorry for your loss Dave,our loss as another of that generation passes, we are all left more alone by the passing of those who provided us guidance and love in our youth as well as keeping us on the straight and narrow.
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Well said Bob. I appreciate your comment and that insight. I hope you are enjoying retirement.
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David – your “GIFT” was so very special; not only for your Mom but for all of us that were in the Chapel with you. Thank you for saying – and meaning – all those precious memories and thoughts. With love & hugs, Auntie Marlene
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That means a great deal to me. I am grateful to you and Bert for being there. Very grateful.
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Thank you for posting this. Your mom and dad were special to us. They were Sam’s family while away from his family. Blessings to all of you as you remember your mom in special ways.
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I think of Sam often. He was fun, warm and encouraging just when he was needed. Thank you for adding to the comments, Sue also says 👋
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My deepest condolences for your loss. Lillian sounds like she was a wonderful person. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for your comment and encouragement
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I am so sorry for your loss Dave – my thoughts are with you and your family!! -Linda J.
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Thank you Linda, I hope you and family are terrific
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Wonderful words. As her son you can be very proud of your kind and interesting comments. The words “Love and leave you “ struck me . My mother in law says it all the time. It is a saying I believe comes from caring about people who when they end a phone call or leave, from back in the day when communication was difficult. It was a way of making sure you knew that were always with you. Beautiful.
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Thank you for letting me know that along with your encouraging comment.
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https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsI’m sorry you lost Lillian. I’m thankful you wrote about her. She sounds awesome. It’s such a blessing to have a good Mom, but so hard to let go when they leave. Hope you find comfort in your memories and in the knowledge of her belief and faith.
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I am grateful to you and the WordPress community for your understanding and support.
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https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsMy heart aches reading this. I am glad you had that relationship with your mom. She seems like such a great person and I am sorry you lost her too soon. As a mom myself, I can assure you she must have truly appreciated this tribute from her son. Hugs.
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My Mom was a kind, giving, and proud mom, and Nana. She was of my writing and involvement in Toastmasters. That confidence in speaking helping me to speak at her funeral and give a six minute memorial speech.
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sorry to hear about your loss David! Where would we be without a mother leading us forward.
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So true Wayne. I hope you are enjoying the better weather, be careful out there my friend
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Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.I understand as my mom was one of the special one’s also.
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It happened fast and I wasn’t ready to let her go.
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Love is immortal
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I know how much my Mom loved me, and how I feel. She was all love.
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I’m not talking about parental love✌In this era there is no love
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Beautiful! Kindness speaks volumes! I’m going to love and leave you.
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That was my Mom, she liked to have fun, and she liked to do things for people. All summer and fall she knitted toques to give away to homeless people and slippers to give to family and friends.
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