Well, it finally happened. Mom passed away. I had been preparing for it for decades, but I suppose one can’t ever really be ready for the gravity of it, the finality of it, until it happens.
Mom was 103 years old, a pretty good run by any standard. At the end her quality of life was not ideal, and she often told us she was more than ready to meet her Creator.
I have often wondered what that feeling must be like…..to actually be ready to give up all of one’s earthly blessings….to be willing and even wanting to trade the known and the certain and the loved and the valued, to make that inevitable journey into what we believe and hope and trust is a better place.
Perhaps it happens when we are truly convicted that we have accomplished our purpose on this earth. When we have lived out the life that we perceive has been laid out for us. When, as the Bible tells us, we have “run the race”.
That would certainly be appropriate in the case of Mom. She spent her 103 years modeling unselfishness and service. It was so easy to underestimate her because she never found it necessary to point to herself or to her accomplishments, so that by observation one would think she had none. In reality she was very smart and multi-talented, at the top of her class in high school, star of her senior class play, skilled at keyboard and ukelele, savvy enough at accounting to keep the books for her husband’s business.
Yet most of her circle of acquaintances would not know any of this. She chose to channel those talents into quietly serving and caring for her family and her community, and God forbid she cause anybody to go out of their way to do something for her.
She modeled many things for me, the most challenging of which is humility. I learned by being close to her life what that really is. I used to think humility was serving others and not bragging about it or expecting acknowledgment for it. In reality, that’s not even close. Real humility is a life of service to others without even being aware there is credit and acknowledgment to be had. You do it because it’s the way life is supposed to be lived.
And perhaps once that life has been properly executed, you truly can be at peace with taking your eternal rest. I think that’s where Mom got to, that point where you have spent all the energy, used up all the heartbeats, in the way you were designed for. Seemed so simple and natural for her. She got so much joy from passing out unconditional love. Wish it were so for me.
I can come up with many flimsy excuses for not being the person I have the spiritual potential to be, but one excuse I can never make is that I don’t know what it looks like.
It’s sad to lose my Mom. But I feel even sadder for the world. Maybe she actually was a bit selfish. She only gave us 103 years.
It wasn’t enough.
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. She sounds like a wonderful woman; I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet her. I know she did a great job of raising her son. You’re right: we’re never truly ready to ‘let go’ of our mothers. Praying for you, my friend.
Ken, I am so sorry for your loss. Tears came into my eyes reading your blog. Reminded me of times with my
mom. My mother died at 70 of cancer. You are very blessed
to have her that long.
You and your family will be in my prayers.
Linda
Oh, Ken. What a lovely tribute, and what a great kid she raised in you.
103 years—a great run but it never really is enough is it? I will keep you in my prayers. Becky
Praying for you and your family
One is never ready for the time our loved one leaves us. We know in our heart they are ready and celebrate the fact they will be with family and special friends waiting for them. It has been years but sometimes I still feel the need to pick up the phone and give them a call.
Blessings to you and all your family
What a wonderful words about your mother Ken. It’s obvious she passed down those qualities to you. Sorry for your loss.
Oh I’m sorry for the loss of your Mom Mr. Lass. Oh to think of the things she saw and did in her lifetime. Its truly amazing. I’m sending prayers of healing and hugs to you and your family. 🙏 God Bless You.
Ken,
What a truly beautiful tribute to your mom. We are never ready to let them go but the ache or what I call ‘hole in my heart’ gets easier as time goes by. It has been 11 years since I lost mine. Miss her everyday.
You are definitely your mother’s son with qualities of humility and giving unselfishly.
Love to Sharon, Brett, Brittany and their families. ❤️🙏🏻
What a blessing your mom was to you and your family. God bless!
What a wonderful testimony. May God continue to bless you all.
Austin
God’s blessings to you and your family at this very sad time. You were blessed to have her around for so many years. She sounds like a wonderful person – who raised a very wonderful son! My mom is 94 and stiil here on the farm, but with hospice care. And I am there 24/7 to help out. You and I are both fortunate to have our moms with us for so many years. Take care my friend, and please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers,
Ken, that is a beautiful description of your obviously wonderful mother. I am not surprised you were raised by such a strong, Godly woman because of the kind of man you are. Sorry for your loss. You’re still my favorite Sunday School teacher ever!
Ken , I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet mom. No matter what age, we are never ready to let them go. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.May the Lord bring comfort and peace to your family.
So sorry for your loss, Ken. It is always hard to lose someone you love. My mother is 92 – I know we do not have that much longer to have her.
Ken:
Thank you for a jewel of a tribute. Please publish this to all who seek and need a glimpse of what family love is like. I don’t think it could have been better.
Your words tell of great love and respect for you mother. You valued her in life and now cherish her in death. What blessing. What a true treasure. May God give you comfort and peace as only He can.
Praying for you and your Family.
Such a nice tribute to your mom, Ken….. I didn’t know her, but know she must have been a wonderful lady as she raised a wonderful son. My mother died at the end of April just 6 weeks shy of her 103rd birthday. How lucky we were to have them so long!!! I know she will live in your heart forever! ❤️
I’m so sorry Ken. Wow what a great tribute to your mom. She must have been a great person and I know she will be missed by all who knew her.
Ken, This beautiful tribute makes me wish I had known your mom. God bless you and comfort you as you and you family adjust to the loss of one you will always hold so dear.
So sorry for your loss Ken. What a beautiful tribute you gave to her. Prayers are with you and your family.