There are days that, in spite of the bright light, the cheery spring flowers, and the perfect spring weather, are not perceived as they are meant to be. Today, for me, is one of those rare days when I’m a lot bluer than normal.
An Urgent Call
On Sunday, just after writing last week’s Sunday Coffee, I received a call that my dear mother was sleeping continually, not eating, and had needed to be rushed to the hospital. Monday I was on a plane, and I arrived at about 2 in the afternoon to find my mom lying in a hospital bed struggling for her life.
A Sight I Never Expected to See
The shock of seeing her in this state was beyond anything I had comprehended previously, and I assumed she would not know me or see me until she recovered, if she recovered. I tried talking to her, but she just lay there.
Precious Last Words
In a moment of utter frustration, knowing she had hearing issues (a family tendency caused by skeet shooting at a young age), I took my own hearing device and placed it in her ear, and cranked up the volume. Suddenly she perked up, opened her eyes, and saw those of us who were there. Though her speech was slurred, she communicated with us, and I heard the words “I love you” from my mom. Her big blue eyes opened briefly, giving her assurance that my brother, sister-in-law, and I were there, and a big smile came across her otherwise struggling face.
Without the Smile, She Was Different
That smile was her trademark. This is a woman who never met a person she did not like, and if she did, we never knew it. She wanted everyone to feel her love. And I quickly realized I had never in my life seen this beautiful woman without that smile. This hospital visit was the first as I watched her struggle with pain.
Tough Decisions
Soon, a meeting with the doctors gave us the bad news that her meds were not working, and I had to make the most important adult decision of my life, which was to remove her care, move her into hospice, and allow her body to shut down in peace. In spite of its difficulty, it never once felt like the wrong decision. And though I wanted to cling to my past with her, I knew we had to keep her comfortable and allow her to enter her next chapter.
An Angelic Moment
People tell me of odd occurrences they experience in this situation. Some talk of loved ones awakening before they pass, calling out that they see heaven. In my case, the night before, I laid my head on her arm and said a prayer that she be taken without more struggle, and when I opened my eyes, I saw her in a somewhat white, almost fuzzy light. Her skin was youthful and her silver hair was glowing. It was clearly an angelic, peaceful look. I can’t explain it, I was not hallucinating, and it was so special that I can’t even begin to articulate it. It was almost as though she had been taken from her body at that moment, though she continued to labor hard with her breathing.
An Experience I’d Never Trade
Hours passed, and there were a few more moments of consciousness and recognition, a few words, and then a lot of sleeping. She responded when I kissed her goodnight and left for the evening, thinking we would watch her go through this for a couple more days. Yet when morning came, before I made it to the hospital, she had graduated to the next level in the cycle of life.
This, the hardest day of my life, was met with a lot of tears, but remarkably, a lot of feeling OK about her being ready. I spent a lot of time consoling others, which made my own angst over this moment somehow easier.
And, with death, for the first time, I was faced with the decisions so many others have handled in the past, such as funeral and burial arrangements, things I’d never before considered. Then, in a cathartic sort of way, sorting through her stuff, finding papers and photos for the rest of the day, was also part of the process.
An Empty Day
Flowers will arrive at my mom’s house for this weekend because I had already planned ahead, yet I remember thinking last Sunday, before this all happened, whether this would be my last Mother’s Day with her. And today is my first without her. And today, I realize for the first time that Mother’s Day is as much about the rest of us celebrating our mothers as it about their accepting our adoration.
Those of you who have been through this in the past, who miss your mom, sometimes after 30 or 50 years, know exactly how empty it feels. And if you’ve still got your mom, cherish every moment.
Giving Up Everything
My friend Skip tells me he would give all his wealth, all his success, everything he has, just for one more conversation with his mother and his dad. Our wealth lies in those we love, not the things we acquire. It’s acutely obvious to me today, more than ever.
If Only
As I look back, regrets in my mind, I see too many times when my mom did not receive the respect she earned and deserved, whether it be teen years of rolling my eyes or talking back, or dismissing her wishes in her older years. In an instant, those regrets sting.
In Celebration
Today, though my heart hurts, I celebrate my own mother, and the mothers around this earth. Being a mom can be a thankless job, brutally difficult at times, yet amazingly rewarding. There is no possible way to accommodate all the sacrifices these women make on our behalf, so the least we can do is give them our time and attention today.
Join me as I toast my own mom, and those around us today.
Eric Rhoads
PS: My pastor often talks about how the world’s religions make us think we can earn our way into heaven. Yet heaven is for perfection, and perfection can only come through your life being substituted by the perfect one. It’s not about earning. No one is good enough to earn their way. It’s about accepting the gift of Christ.
Not one doubt enters my mind on this day when a celebration is taking place, with big smiles as my mom enters the Kingdom to see those who went before her. Though I rarely talk about my faith here, because people tend to take offense (not my intent), today, in honor of my mom and her Maker, I celebrate with her. Tears and grief cannot overcome the joy I feel for her at this moment, making this the perfect Mother’s Day for her.
Dear Eric, it is just over a month since your dear mother passed from this wonderful world into the even more beautiful and gentle home with Our Lord. It is a very difficult time for you and your family and at times it seems to become more difficult but do remember that none of you are ever alone. Just ask and the loving help will come from Our Lord. Your mother’s love for you is the one thing that she has taken with her. Love never dies. She will always be there for you all, praying and yes laughing and smiling as she sees you heal.
Eric, I just lost my mother in-law yesterday. She was a woman that any man would have wanted as a mother in-law. I am privileged to read a scripture verse she picked out before her death, Romans 8:33-35…”now there is no condemnation against anyone in Christ Jesus”. She lived this quote for Paul. She was not perfect, but a loving and forgiving soul. My wife and I will miss her terribly, yet at peace knowing she is in glory.
Your Mom leaving is incredibly sad. God bless you and your family. May God give you all comfort and peace. I have no doubt that your Mom is safe and happy in the arms of Jesus. I am very blessed because my Mom is still here with us. She is 90, and we have already had the family talk and arrangements made. It still will be devastating when she leaves. We make every moment count when we are together. I’m glad you shared the special time when you put your head on your Mom’s arm and then saw her in her radiant beauty. That spiritual moment was her gift to you to assure you that she will also be radiant in heaven. She will always be with you in Spirit. Watch for more signs from her. You will know when she is with you. As much as you will long for her and miss her, you will know that she will always be OK. May God be with you and your family as you journey through your grief and sorrow.
Well written, very thoughtful, encouraging and honest! Thank you! Blessings to you, your wife and quiver of triplets!!!!
Mr. Roads,
I am sorry to hear about your irreplaceable loss and glad to hear that those last days were rich in love and spirituality. I applaud your candor and courage in disclosing your faith. Given that most people are jaded, particularly when it comes to Christianity, I am reluctant to say that I am a believer, fearing the social penalty. ( They might think me a religious fanatic, an uneducated, unevolved person, blah, blah, blah).
You are so open and giving; you must have been sent here for a really big purpose, or purposes. Thank you for your weekly gifts to artists of all kinds. You help others more than you can know. I cannot imagine how proud your mom was and is of you.
I agree with what you’re writting! I also lost my Mom, and she was everything to me!
Courage and years going by will help the pain.
Sincerely
That was a beautiful tribute. It is the time when priorities are accentuated. You realize the most beautiful work of art is a mother’s love. Last year a few months before Pace my mother passed away and I had to plan the funeral and burial service. Fortunately it was a celebration of life with no regret. I too had a brief glimpse of my mom in heavenly joy. I am not one for experiential faith and never expected that brief vision. However I see this as an assurance and it has brought comfort. My mom was 94 and died 15 min before my granddaughter at 20 days of a rare lung disease.. I like to think she caught her in heaven., although that s a sentimental wish. Anyway I hope that you enjoy a family reunion and reuniting with close friends as you remember yr mom. God bless you and your family.
Dear Eric,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of your great loss of your dear Mother. It is so hard to face the difficulty of her passing, especially as we celebrate Mother’s Day. My mother passed away in 2001 and it’s still difficult for me to attend church on Mother’s Day Sunday. It is through our faith that we believe that one day we will all be reunited again.
Thank you for sharing your last moments with your Mom. I read your article with tears in my eyes as I know how your must feel and how precious our moms are to us. Healing comes with time.
Take care and blessings to you and your family.
Sara Niles
Colusa, California
Dear Eric
I am so sorry for your loss.
I lost my Mum last year and was with her all day and night for five days before she left us holding her hand and brushing her hair.
It is a time I will never forget and your beautiful words about your Mum brought it all back.
It seems to me that we were both blessed to have been gifted these wonderful loving Mums in our lives.
They will always be with us.
My thoughts are with you and your family
Richard Watson
Melbourne, Australia
Eric – I read your beautiful article through tears, having visited my 100 year old mom earlier in the day. I had the same thought you had last week “will this be my last Mother’s Day with her.” Your tribute to your mother (and to your wife) was beautiful and she must be smiling on you now. I am so sorry for your loss.
Eric,
A hug for you friend…
Of all life’s joys and sadnesses…ebbs and flows, its unspeakable beauty and at times utter misery, we have this eternal, immutable consolation…Jesus said…
“There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you.”
…”Joy unspeakable and full of glory…”
Rev. R.S.Bricka
Dear Eric, Thank you for sharing this with us. Your last day with your mom here on earth was precious, as our last days with each of our four parents has been. May the heartache of missing her be balanced by the knowledge that she is with the Lord. You have surely been greatly blessed. We seem to only feel the pain in the same measure that we were blessed by love.
With deepest sympathy,
Sandy
Eric,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad and difficult time. Sending you lots of love and peace.
Eric,
I am sorry for the loss of your Mother, but knowing you will be reunited someday in heaven with Jesus is such a blessed hope. As always I enjoyed your blog, but I think this one was the best of all. Knowing of your faith in Christ, which I suspected before, is so great. I too share that as do many of our artist friends. I will be praying the Lord comforts you in the weeks and months to come. Saying good bye is never easy, and I totally understand. I lost three friends and family last year. But God is good, and he will see you through.. Blessings to you and your family,.
Thank you for such a wonderful message. I too had similar experiences with my Mother. It has been 20 years now and I think of
her everyday. She was a beautiful, strong woman, raising nine of us, great humor, and a great Mom.
Thank you again, I love the way you express yourself Eric, at coffee time I feel like I am just sitting right next to you. Bless you for all you do.
Sincerely, Joanie M. Anderson
Beautiful sentiments Eric. Though the next weeks and perhaps months may be long and at times difficult, that process helps to deal with such a great loss. Expect many more tears and much laughter as well when you recall all of the special moments that you shared with her and your family. Those moments are especially poignant at this time and may be the most healing for those she left behind.
God bless, she sounds wonderful and I am sorry I never got the chance to know her.
She will always be with you.
Lovely commentary. Thank you for sharing, Eric. You have been blessed.
Eric- Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts and perspectives through your steady stream of Sunday Coffee emails. We are all reminded again that the most precious riches we can ever hope for can’t be grasped in our hands.
What a beautiful message! Thank you for sharing and YOU are a remarkable man, we are all lucky to have you in our life!
thank you Eric for sharing yet it’s so true the words you spoke thank you for sharing.
The greatest gift a child can give a mother is to love and respect her. You have given her the only Mother’s Day present she ever wanted.
This, is your mother’s son at his best. Thank you, Eric. My prayers and sincere condolences.
Thank you for sharing your mother’s love, your faith and your family. Very moving on this Mother’s Day. Thank you.
Dearest Eric,
So sorry to hear of your loss. One’s mother is the most important person in your life, as she gave you life.
I am sending prayers for you & your family.
I have heard our dearest’s souls stay near us to bless us as we go through life. She will continue to watch over you. And your prayers & meditation in turn help her.
Love,
Denise
Thank you so much for your honest and beautiful writing. I am so blessed by your message, and especially by you sharing Jesus saving message. May He bless you and give you strength as you all grieve.
Dear Eric,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, but grateful she is with the Lord Jesus right this minute, face to face with her Savior. What a hope we have in Christ.
My mom’s death 14 years ago was agony for me, but I look forward to seeing her again, praise God.
Thank you Eric for stating the truth in strength of faith. A great article of your love of mother and your God.
Dear Eric and Family, It is with great sadness that we learn that your Mother had been suffering for some length of time. We are in the medical field and we both feel that you listened to the Doctors who told you the medicine no longer worked and she was transferred to Hospice for comfort to await the end. You made the right decision. It is so wonderful that you can accept that your Mother is in a better place and that you will be able to join her someday. We send you all our deepest condolences and heart felt sympathy. Don’t feel too guilty about rolling your eyes and disobeying as a teenager. We all did that. May God bless you and your lovely family! Lots of Love.
Yes, I have been through this same process, and I was weeping as I read your words. My Mother graduated into the eternities 3 years ago. Thank you for spelling it out in such a touching manner., and talking of the tribute and honor our mothers really deserve. I missed sitting with my Mother today in Church, but I know she is in Gods Kingdom on the other side of Heaven. And I shall surely see her Spirit when I get there.
Eric, I’m so very sorry that your dear Mother passed away. This is the first Mother’s Day also without my Mom who died last July. Tonight I’ll say a prayer for your Mom and mine, two very special women who will always live in our hearts and continue to influence our lives.
I agree with Skip. I’d give everything to have one more moment with my mom and dad and my beloved brother who just died this week. It’s a blessing to grow up in a close, loving family. And it’s so painful when they pass away. God bless you. Eric. May you find comfort and consolation.
I think of you during this time of loss and wish you comfort and healing in the days ahead. This article is a reflection of the thoughts so many of us are feeling today while sorting through the precious memories of our Mother.
I am so sorry for your loss, Eric but happy that you were able to be with her in her final days. I’m sure it meant a lot to her to be surrounded by loving family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
What a tribute to your Mom! So great to see the love of Jesus shared, thank you for that.well done🙏
What a beautiful and touching tribute. I am so sorry for your painful loss but thankful that you were able to share her last words and last smile. It is a precious memory she would want you to have. Sending prayers for you and your family.
You amaze me Eric. Every one of your coffee with Eric posts are so touching. I’m sitting here trying to write to you through tears from your Mother’s Day post. So lovely and so honest. Thank you for sharing your talent with me.
Till next time.
Thank you Eric. I am celebrating today the gift of being a mother and grandmother and I miss my own Mother almost every day. I had the gift of being with both parents at the moment they passed and I would never trade it. My Mom passed at 94..she never expected to live that long! I love the way you write. I met you at FACE in Miami…a great experience I shall always remember. I’m glad you are writing. I always look forward to it. Maybe someday I will be able to attend again. I did two really good portraits after FACE , I got so much from it, so worth it and I thank you for all the lovely inspirational work you do.
Eric your MOM lives on in you and the rest of the family. God’s strength
And always remember that smile. May she rest in peace.
Reading these words, edges softened by tears, gives comfort as I recall rushing to the hospital on my father’s last morning, only to arrive moments too late. You must have had a wonderful mother, and she is no doubt proud of her son! I treasure Mother’s Day brunch with my own lively 90-year-old Mom.
So sorry for your loss.
I experienced rather the same vision of my mother the morning she died. Her face, skin, and eyes were so beautiful and glowing. She looked forward to the Love where she was heading. I’m glad I was there for her. I, too, wince at the times when my behavior brought hurt. She said she didn’t remember them., Ha! Thank you for sharing your faith and hers.
I am so sorry to hear that you no longer have your Mother here on earth. Someday, though, you will be reunited because of what Jesus did on Calvary for us all. Sharing your grief and your faith with us is a very courageous thing to do. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Beautifully written. A Wonderful Mother cannot be bought and paid for. But when we have one for 86 years, as I did, the greatest blessing was that my mother knew how to pray. Our family, all requested her prayers when in need, as they (four boys) knew she Knew Christ as her own personal friend and Saviour and she know how to meet with him in earnest. God Bless your work and also your fearless attention to the God of this Universe…I really appreciate that.
Thank you for sharing with us your journey of the past week. As my own mother is 92, I have wondered is this the last Mother’s Day I will have with her. I will be praying for you in this season of grief, but I thank you for also using this message to point to the Savior whom your mother loved and is with now.
A beautiful tribute to what must have been a gift from God to you and your family. I’m sure she couldn’t be more proud of you. May the one who created such a wonderful mother comfort you in her passing. He is faithful. Thank you for the tribute. I am touched.
Thanks Eric, this was a heartfelt and touching article, very appropriate today. Your words touched my heart, sorry for your loss of your Mother.
My condolences on the loss of your mom and may God comfort you today. Thanks for sharing your genuine and honest reflections on such a moment.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, this may not help you at all, but our moms are no longer in pain, they are in pure bliss and ecstasy.
My mom passed 4 years ago. I’m so thankful she is in a much better place. If you have ever read about near death experiences you can get some idea of where you mom is now experiencing. My heart goes out to you.
Somewhere along the line, you have gained a beautiful insight. I get a sense your mother started you on this path. I have shared those moments years ago with my mom. May your faith and those in your life comfort you and ease the sting. It never totally leaves but it will ease. Thank you for sharing.
Well said, Eric. Sorry for your loss. Ninety four and a her wonderful smile to recall is so special. You are absolutely correct, years later we only wish we could have not just one, but several conversations with our parents and others significant in our lives.
Cherish the memories you have of your parents, as they will never leave you and your family. Cherish the laughter, the problem solving, and the encouragement. Extend it to others which you already do well.
Beautiful, simply beautiful!
As is usually the case, your Sunday Coffee captures so much of what we feel, think or do. Your words remind me of the same pain and sorrow I felt when my own mom passed, with the thought that every year since her passing, those emotions have dulled but not entirely gone away. I think the negative emotions are necessary to fully appreciate the positives of being grateful we had my mom with us for 94 years and the joy she brought to our lives. Thank you for writing about your too-recent loss on this day we honor our mothers and what they mean to us
My condolences.
Your letter is a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing them.
My thoughts are with you.
Lillian Kennedy
Reading your Coffee today, is as I remember my first mother’s day after my mother had left this life…and the decision I was charged with as well for the transition to hospice. So, as you will know from thousands of others. We are in the same phase. My mother left us March 7, 2016. Still fresh, and the tears still flowed as I read this now from you. So, pease to you and your family. My your memories of great joy overshadow all pain. as it does for my family . we remember all the great sacrifices and teaching by example our mother gave.gives us.
Thank you for your encouraging words each week. I look forward to reading your thoughts. My Mom went to be with The Lord five years ago. The peace that gives me is so reassuring that one day I will see her and my dad again, as I am sure you will see your’s as well.
Thank you for sharing your belief and love of Jesus Christ. All too often we shy away from this type of commitment for fear of offending someone, when all we really want to do is share our love in Him.
Thank you for sharing this tender moment of your life, it rings true on so many levels. I will be praying for you and yours as you walk through this season of grief.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom and wife Eric. I lost my mom 15 years ago and the hole in my heart is still there but comforted knowing she is in heaven ,she may be welcoming your mom.
Eric Bob and I reach out to you today and send you and your family our love and prayers as you celebrate your sweet Mom in heaven. God Bless you all and may you be comforted by His love ❤️
Thank You. When my husband passed three years ago, we made it back to the hospital in record time after their call to find that he had passed about three minutes before. Your words today help tremendously
Deepest condolences to you and your family.
Beautifully stated. Bless you and yours always. It is truly a gift to have and have had a treasure of a mother and equally a blessing and privilege to be a mother and wife.
Thanking you for sharing this. It was beautiful. I also lost my mom but I know it was her time and I think it was your moms. There both with Jesus now
This was absolutely beautiful.
I have lost both of my parents and so has my husband and it doesn’t matter how old you are, you miss them everyday. My sincere condolences to you and thank you for a wonderful Mother’s Day message. You mother is looking down on you, smiling and proud.
Eric, thank you for sharing your painful and beautiful journey, what a gift to all of us on this Mother’s Day. Love and prayers to you for peace and comfort. (I met you at my first Plein Air convention this year, passed along greetings from Nancy G & Richard S.) I called my Mother yesterday, but I think I will call her again today, because I am so lucky to have her.
Eric, what a beautiful tribute to your mom. You may not believe this, but attending the Plein Air Conference in 1995 in Monterey helped me so deeply during the time when my mother’s health was failing. She was so happy for me that I could go. She passed away shortly after also in the month of May. You provide so much for our souls; not just making us the best artists, best marketers of our art, but also you help us fulfill our dreams. What more could make a mom happier? Thanks for all you do, and I am glad you are celebrating your mom in such a wonderful way with your writings.
Eric-after having spent time with you in San Fran at the PAC, learning what a genuine, caring person you are, I can only say that you gave your mother the ultimate gift every day of your life. She must have been bursting with pride upon seeing you as a successful entrepreneur and devoted family man. As a mother of four, I tend to measure my success as a mother by the growth and accomplishments of my children. But more than anything… I know my kids respect and love me deeply and in the end that’s what really matters. It’s a sad day for me as well as I lost both of my parents in the last 5 years and my children and 5 grandchildren live in Boulder, Chicago and Naples… but I have a wonderful husband and terrific friends to enjoy the day with. God bless you Eric and know that you honored your mother magnificently and will continue to do so for the remainder of your life. And thanks for what you do for us struggling artists. Can’t wait to see you and the plein air group in CO next May. Loving regards,
Jean Cottrell
My sincere condolences to you and your family and what a wonderful thing to know the love of Christ, the one who loved us first, and that we have eternal life through Him and will be together again with our loved ones.
May He comfort you all today with special memories of your mom.
God Bless!
Well said. Many truths here. Tried to have no regrets but after they are gone it’s hard not to see the missed opportunities created by a busy life. The death of a loved one truly makes clear what is important. We think we know how important our Mother’s are but not truly until they are gone and there are no more phone calls or advice to be had. Wishing you the best on this first empty Mother’s Day. God bless, Lisa
My heart breaks for what you are going through. I lost my mom 34 years ago and still miss her! I lost my husband 4 years ago and that hole in my heart will never go away. We can remember them for the joy they brought to our life, but the pain of loosing them is always there.
Thank you Eric. For those of us that are fortunate to have their mothers knowing our loving God and us knowing him we know that we will be able to see them once again. We are blessed. Praying for you and your family at this time of loss.
Thank you Eric, your beautiful message today gave each of us a special Mother’s Day gift. My prayers for the loss of your mother,
Maureen
You are very blessed to have had such a special relationship with your mom and to have your faith. You continually bless others with your wisdom in all matters. I am lifting you up in prayers for peace and joy during this challenging time.
So sorry Eric to hear about your mum, but thank you for sharing so beautifully.
It was also so special to hear your words of faith – I will never be offended and would encourage you in that. I love Jesus and He is the reason I am now painting, and why I found your sites.
Thank you so much for coffee with Eric every week – I love reading it every Sunday afternoon after lunch.
May God bless you going forward.
Love
Celia
Beautiful. Thank you
My condolences, Eric. You words are beautifully said and bring back memories of my own loss. I hope you find peace in the memories you cherish of your mother. A mother is a gift to all of us that holds a unique place in our lives as they are the very reason we exist. Thank you for sharing such a personal story.
Well said. Saying a prayer for you.
Thank you for this email, the Lord has used it to encourage me and help me today.
My mom is in B.C. and I live in Ontario so our best communication is Skype on Sunday afternoons.
I am going through a divorce right now, not my idea. Selfishness complicates everything and I didn’t know just how self focused I was until the bottom fell out of our marriage. The Lord is using this time to humble me and teach me more about Him, to “artfully hammer me to be a vessel for His honour “ according to Paul David Tripp. (There is a local artist who actually does that with steel and makes beautiful birds and animals by hammering the steel into their shape.)
I am learning again about forgiveness and empathy through “Divorce Care”, a ministry through my church.
Thank you for sharing your faith, it’s a wonderful blessing to be to “meet “ other believers in the Art world.
I’m a portrait artist in charcoal, pastel and oils and, as God directs, I’m planning to do this full time after I retire, in 2 years. I wasn’t able to support the family and pay the mortgage with my artwork so, now as I enter this stage of life, I believe the Lord is directing me to pursue portraiture full time.
My 2 wonderful children are 21 and 19 now. We just moved our daughter to Toronto yesterday so our son and my wife live in the house and I moved into an apartment just over a year ago.
It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, moving out and I’m praying for reconciliation but a third party complicates every thing. Forgive me for pouring my heart out, it’s my desire to honour God even now, in this mess, and just to let Him direct my thinking.
I have been following you for a few years now and I intend to develop a website through Faso but all my work over the years has been commissioned and it’s gone with the client. Now I’m painting portraits and asking for reproduction rights with the intent of putting them in my website.
Thank you again for your encouragement and may the Lord continue to bless you as you inspire other artists to broaden their lives.
Oh Eric, my heart just exploded for you for this loss of your mother from this world; I’m travelling to see my 89 year old mom today for mother’s day. I was going to give her a painting that was not my favorite because I knew that she would love it but now I’m going to give her my favorite one because I love her. She’s diminishing this year and I have the same thought of this possibly being the last year with her. She too, wanted everyone to feel love and was always the kindest, dearest, most fun woman that I knew. No one had a mom like mine, except for you it seems. Thank you for this, I’m putting all of the new annoyances aside that come with her hearing loss and early dementia. I am so deeply sorry for your loss; you are proof that the world had an extraordinary presence in it because of her. She is now yours forever, never to lose again. Bless your heart and thank you for this most beautiful of posts.
Eric, I am so happy you have your faith to sustain you. Your mom will always be in your heart. Prayers surround you and your family. Sincerely, Shirley Bland
So beautifully written. I can identify with every word as my own mother‘s funeral took place just last week. And the knowing that she is in a much much better place and I will see her again one day all but erases any grief or regret. Blessings to you, dear Eric.
I lost my mom in 1990
I miss her daily
Im sorry for your loss and know you will carry her in your heart forever
Sadness, wistfulness, a sense of time passing, the closing of a chapter. What a lovely tribute to your mother; I hope the memory of her smile continues to light up your life. With my deepest sympathy……
Such a beautiful tribute to read on this Mother’s Day! Thank you for sharing it with us. Thoughts, prayers and peace be with you.
We are so sorry for you loss Eric and so glad you know how very lucky you were to have had such a splendid mom. Not everyone has had your good fortune in that respect. You wrote a very moving and beautiful tribute to the woman whose smile you basked in and will never forget.
Our Prayers are with you. As I sit reading your article with blurred vision I think about the gift your Mother gave us in you. Thank you for sharing your talent and your faith!
What a delight to be able to read this upon starting this day. It was a blessing to read about your mother. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I am so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom! I can only hope that my own children feel the same about me, especially because I’ve always considered it my most important vocation and loved it tremendously. I’m sure your mom felt the same and is immensely proud of you! I also admire your wife greatly! Thanks for sharing!
Love for your mother and the faith you shared with her are the foundation for your strength and joy today. Many blessings to you and God’s peace now and throughout this year.
ERIC-an unexpected gift to read your thoughts about
Mother’s Day-your note brings tears and joy to my morning coffee time on this day.
Having lost my own mother my heart feels your sadness-
Having lost my darling daughter 19 years ago-I KNOW of the angelic experience you so perfectly shared.
I began painting the essence of the reality and truth of the passage-ANGELS- an embrace that continues to heal.
GOD’S GRACE💟
Eric,
I am sorry for your loss. I pray that you and your family, will be guided and comforted as you walk through this.
I love the way you described your Mom..the smile. What a lovely image to hold on to.
My mom passed at the age of 57. I am now 7 years older than my mom lived, and I still miss picking up the phone to talk to her.. Today, I thought, I’ll sit in the sun room, and chat with her as if she were sitting with me. You can do the same. I believe your mother is right there, with her smile, proud of the man her son has become.
Blessings..Gabriele
Eric,
Praying for you in the loss of your mother. I miss my mother everyday since 1996 when she went to heaven. It is sad to see them leave us but we do know we have the hope of seeing them again.
Thank you for your morning coffee posts.