Kay Marie (Moon) Kennedy
Since my Mom passed, I have tried to put my thoughts into written word. Nothing seems to be right. My mind and heart are still in different stages of emotion.... but I will try to sort them all out.
Over the last couple of days I have thought about what happened to mold you into the strong woman that you were. Many people cave with adversity but it seems that you strived . Very few people know that your young life was very tough . During the depression, at the age of 8, you were placed on a work farm and you endured many hardships and cruelties . Many people would stayed defeated and would have given up. But not you. You were strong and all of this adversity changed into a life of blessings when you met and married my Dad. You were a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother , great grandma, aunt and friend to many. We are all honored to be in your life. We miss you and wish you were still here with us but know that your body and spirit were getting tired. Even on your death bed, your love was still shining on us and that is what we miss the most. You loved us so purely and sacrificially like no one else ever will. Everyday in the hospital and every day in Hospice, I told you that I loved you and that you were a great mother. I did not expect you to say “I love you too”, but you did. When you could no longer talk, you smiled and squeezed my hand. Even on your last day, I knew you heard me.
Without you, even the house does not seem the same. Just one month ago you insisted on doing the dishes, dusting the floors, taking care of all laundry, on sunny days going outside to wash the large living room window and walking out to the road for the mail. Yesterday I did dishes and laundry. I was expecting you to say, “ that’s my job, I will do that !” Something is wrong, then my brain cleared and I instantly remembered, you are not here.
Anyone having a mother like you has a true blessing . However sometimes we take things for granted , thinking that we will have our moms with us forever. Reality often sets in when we lose the wonderful woman that gave us life and has been a guiding force in so many of our decisions.
There were times that you frustrated me and I wished you were able to be more independent. When I look at your aging process now , I feel very blessed that you trusted me enough to take care of your well being. Today I realized why you made me independent (like you) and why you told me to always be strong. You knew that one day I would need the strength to bear the loss of your strength. You made me laugh, wiped my tears, helped me whenever and however I needed your help, and loved me a lot even though it was hard for you to say that you loved me. You had a zest for life and living it to it’s fullest. I will do my best to continue in your footsteps. I may not win a wet t-shirt contest at 90, but I will do my best to still be living my life with love and happiness. I pray that my children and grandchildren continue to love me as much as I love you.
Many people have a dream of seeing an angel but I think I am the lucky one who got to spend so much time with an angel.
“I know for certain
that we never lose the people we love,
even to death.
They continue to participate in every act,
thought and decision we make.
Their love leaves an indelible imprint
in our memories.
We find comfort in knowing
that our lives have been enriched
by having shared their love.”
I love you Mom. You will be in my heart forever.
Kay
