Two weeks after our family summer vacation to Georgia, we found ourselves traveling again. But this time around, we flew thousands of miles…on to Westward for reasons that are both sad and happy.
Photo Courtesy of Restly Alyssis Photography
Farewell, Until We Meet Again
I will have to start with the sad part. Our dear Mom, after battling colon cancer for more than two years was finally welcomed to heaven. It was definitely sad, but at the same time, we also felt relief because she was finally out of pain.
Our beautiful Mom.
Both me and my brother in Singapore saw her take her last breath via Video Call. It may not be how we wanted it, but we are still thankful for this modern technology because we were able to talk to her in her final moments. The husband and I actually talked to her an hour before she passed. We were the last ones who bid our goodbyes before we all watched her heartbeat slowly fade away.
Photo Courtesy of Restly Alyssis Photography
If you remember, we made a trip to my hometown in the Philippines last year and spent a month long vacation there to spend time with my family who I hadn’t seen for seven years. Although Mom was already sick then, she was still full of energy, valiantly battling the disease, and we were able to make a lot of memories. So glad we made that trip because her health slowly but surely deteriorated after that.
Family Reunited
Mom’s passing may have been a sad and painful event for our family, but it was also the reason that brought the whole family together again. We all came home to accompany Mom to her final resting place.
Our whole family with Dad’s youngest sister (far left) and Mom’s sister ( seated front row right) and her family after the burial ceremony. Photo courtesy of Restly Alyssis Photography.
My older sister was my only sibling that was left in my hometown helping Dad in attending to Mom during her illness. Our oldest brother works in Singapore and my other older brother lives in Canada with his family. I hadn’t seen my brothers for eight years because when we visited last year, my brother had already moved to Canada and my brother in Singapore wasn’t able to visit. So what happened to Mom may be sad, but I am also glad to see my brothers again.
An Eventful Trip
Photo taken by my son when we visited Mom’s grave one last time before leaving for the U.S. the next day.
It was indeed an eventful trip with mixed emotions for everyone. Despite the pain, we were all happy to see each other again. I know Mom was happy to see us all together too and we knew that this is just temporary. Time will come that we’ll see Mom again. So until we meet again, Mom…Love.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Although you weren’t able to be there in person, it’s still a gift that you all got to be together in some manner.
It must have been such an emotional time for you. I can’t imagine life without my Mum around. It’s something I really try hard not to think about at all as I am so close to her.
So sorry for your loss. But great that you were able to travel there for her final resting.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you got to see the rest of your family. When my ex-husband’s father died it turned into a lovely family reunion.
So sorry for your loss, it’s such an emotional rollercoaster when you have to travel to say goodbyes.
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Both of my husband’s parents have passed. With his mom we were able to be there with her in the hospital, but his dad was in another country when he suddenly passed away. We understand your pain. But I’m so glad that your family came together to honor here and you were able to see your brothers again after such a long time.
This post has me in tears. I am so sorry you lost your Mom, but you are right, she was happy seeing you all reunited together. May her memory be for a blessing.
I am so very sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute and I am sure she knew you were there in spirit and that your love for her was apparent in her final days. Again so sorry.
SO sorry for ur loss. We all face unexpected sad situations but there is always one good thing about it. Glad you had a chance to spend your time with your other siblings and create more memories.
So sorry for your loss. I lost my grandma a couple weeks ago as well. It was a bittersweet feeling.
I’m so sorry about your mom. I am so glad there is technology that now allowed you to be with her at the end.
I am so sorry for your lost. Losing a loved one is tough esp our own parents.
I’m glad that you got to see your brothers. It is hard to get together when everyone has their own families.
Though it’s painful, it’s always nice to show respect and be there to visit her. Losing someone as close as a parent is always hard, sorry for your lost. I’m loving that final picture though!