Without a Proper Farewell
I write this as if writing from a nightmare. It is a horrifying thought to lose someone you love, to lose someone you love without even the slightest foresight of the impending loss, and to lose her without even a proper farewell. This nightmare is a reality for my dear friend Jen at Prior Fat Girl. She lost her mother yesterday who was hit by a car while taking her grandson for a walk. If you didn’t know Jen’s mom — let me tell you what I know about her. She commented on every single one of Jen’s blogs. Every single one. And she wouldn’t just leave a “comment,” she would leave behind words of absolute wisdom for all of us to enjoy. She became all of our “online mom.”
She would never cease to remind us how important it is to enjoy our lives by often reminding us how silly we were to obsess over numbers on a scale. She would remind us to take time to indulge every now and then and would make us laugh either by picking at her own lack of computer skills, or by sharing her quenchless love for oreos.
I was personally touched by Kim. She would sign each post “prior fat girl’s mom” — how proud does she sound signing each post this way? She would always talk of her grandchildren, daughters and her love for her husband. She moved me every single time I read what she had to say. And it was obvious how much Jen loves her. We saw them go jean shopping together. We saw them complete the stair master challenge together.
I wish I had something brilliant to say to ease the pain, but I don’t. Jen’s mom, I’m sure, would know exactly what to say.
Please show Jen your support. And please take the time to reflect on what an amazing woman, wife, mother, grandmother, PERSON, Kim was in and to this world.
I leave you with this recent comment made by our beloved Prior Fat Girl’s mom:
“Now as we travel the road of life, we need to pick up others along the way as their loads may be too heavy to carry.”
We love you Kim and will miss you every day.
15 People have left comments on this post
What a beautiful tribute! My heart just aches over this loss. It’s too much to comprehend.
I have no words, just tears. Thank you for sharing.
This is such a shocking tragedy. I always looked forward to reading Kim’s comments on Jen’s blog, and she even stopped by my blog every now and then to encourage me. She was truly an inspiration, and I know she was such a support to her whole family. This is a lovely post.
Such a tragedy!!! I am soooooooooooooo sorry! As one that has lost both my parents, one out of the blue, the other 6 months after a cancer diagnosis, I understand some of the pain BUT not like what happened with Jen’s mom. All I can say it is tough going early on & for a lot of time after that. She will need support big time! I am glad you are there for her!!! My deepest condolences & may the memories she had comfort her in her loss.
OMG A….this is just tragic! How horribly sad. What a beautiful woman–mother, grandmother, partner. I am truly sorry to hear this sad news, and I hope her family can find strength in one another.
Annabel, I had my post for tomorrow set to go before reading this this morning. After reading your post & going over to read Jen’s post, I have renamed my post & made it in honor & memory of Jen’s mom even though I did no know her.
This is a beautiful tribute to Jen’s Mom. Very well written and right from the heart. She did seem to be an amazing woman and someone who touched many.
I could not believe what I was reading when I read Jen’s blog yesterday. I ache for her and her family.
my heart was breaking when I heard/read about Jen’s mom. I’ve experienced losing a parent suddenly, without a goodbye or anything. It hurts deeper than anyone can imagine. My heart goes out to Jen and her family.
What a beautiful tribute to Jen’s wonderful mother. As if I haven’t cried enough thinking about her and her family, your writing brought me to tears once again. Jen really has a true friend in you, Annabel.
What a horrible thing to happen. I loved reading Kim’s comments….she was an awesome support for Jen as well as for all of us! She will be missed by so many.
(Annabel and all, I will be sending a card to Jen’s family….all bloggers who wish to include a message, sign their name, etc are welcome to leave me a comment and I will include it in the card. Check my blog for more details.)
Jen, your mother made the ultimate sacrifice. One we all hope we would make in a time of crisis. She has become a true hero and will live in the hearts of many forever. Her grandson may not realize it now but he has a true guardian angel with him always and what is better than having your own grandma as your own personal guardian.
I wish I could be there tomorrow to join you in your “walking her home” walk. I will however have an oreo cookie in her honor.
My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family. May God be with all of you.
Much love,
Michelle
Beautiful tributes to a beautiful soul.
Truly eloquent words to describe the amazing person and mom she was to our Jen. I’m glad you shared this here.
Beautiful post. This made me cry all over again. I’d forgotten she got in on the stairmaster challenge at the end. The quote from Kim is perfect and poignant. Thank you for posting this.