Sunday, April 20, 2008

My heart is heavy

Early Friday morning my stepmom lost her long battle with cancer at the very young age of 49.
She was an amazing woman who gave so much to my family.
My dad met her when I was fifteen, she had no children of her own and inherited me, a surly teenager. She took that in stride and loved me as if I was her own.
My dad and her owned a Nursery for seventeen years, creating it from nothing and making it into a very successful business. They worked tirelessly at the Nursery and when they weren't working there, they were working on their land and building their dream home.
During the last year of her life, while battling cancer, she laid every tile in their living room.
She loved nature and her animals, cooking meat for her dogs and cat. Despite the fact that she was vegetarian she learned how to cook salmon and chicken for my dad.
She was an amazing cook who created her own recipes.
In the last few years she learned how to make natural soaps and lotions, selling them at the farmers market and online.
She was there when my son was born, and I'll never forget the look on her face when she saw him for the first time. She turned to me with tears in her eyes and said " Oh Autumn he is just beautiful" and thus began a special bond between grandma and grandson.
When we would visit, she always cooked for us but she would make Bug a special plate with all of his favorite things.
She helped me through labor and birth, holding my hand.
When she passed, I was honored to be at her side, holding hers.

7 comments:

Michele said...

Oh Autumn... I'm so sorry. If I could only be there to give you guys all a big hug. Just know that we offer our sincere apologies, love and prayers to you all. I know this must be a difficult time. This is a wonderful tribute post to an obvious wonderful woman.
((Big Hug))
Michele and Marcell

Taddie Tales said...

Ms. Autumn - blessings to you, your family, and your dad. I can't even imagine the loss of a life partner. It is so hart warming to hear of such a special bond that you had with your stepmother. She sounds like such an amazing woman.

Hugs - Lindy

Maude Lynn said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman.

Corey~living and loving said...

Oh my heavens.....this hurts my heart. I am crying at work for you. :( I am sorry I am just seeing this now. I have been having computer trouble at home, and just now found a moment at work to come on.
I am soooooooooooo sorry for your loss. Your hurt is so real, and I wish I was there to give you a huge hug.
love you.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry to read this, Autumn. She sounded like a truly amazing woman.

Lisa said...

What a beautiful tribute to her! Prayers for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm so, so sorry. How lucky you were to have such an amazing woman in your life. Prayers for you and your family.