Starting off 09 like 08..this SUX

[BIGMAC2570]

Well as some of you know my 2008 started off with the death of my best friend of over 23 years..and I ended the year with the Thanksgiving death of my 96 yr old grandmother..

I wanted to say my 09 was starting off better, but this morning at 515am, my 66 yr old mother passed away from terminal melanoma..

she was diagnosed back in december with 3 years, then it spread..liver, lungs stomach..given a year, then into her spine and blood, given 6 months, then her liver began to shut down..She wanted to come home, so Wednesday we brought her home, awake and alert, Wednesday, she was unable to move herself, and slept most of time, only opening her eyes when you talked to her.Friday she slipped into acoma, so my father asked me to spend the night, myself along with my sister stayed up goofing off and watching the NBA..
At 5am I checked on her as her breathing was starting to ease, I awoke my sister in time to watch my mother take her final 2 breaths..

over my 36 yrs, I am glad that I got to spend her final minutes with her, and will miss her, and love her, more than she will EVER know..

Thank You all for letting me say my peace in this forum, and know that doing so lifts some of the pain from my heavy heart..

MOM..I love you! xoxo

[Elias_Devil]

RIP, hang in there man.

[daboltz]

Condolences man

[Cowboys28]

prayers that God will comfort you and your family

[tragically fish]

my condolences to you and your family.

[R. Giles]

my condolences to you and your family.

same

[MIAMI 305]

I'm sorry, man. Reading this has put my personal mysery into perspective, though. My prayers go out to you and your family.

[trustno1]

Very sorry to read of your loss.:(

Condolences to you and your family.

[avafan]

my condolences to you and your family.

[Poochiesdead]

Very sad to hear. Stay strong man.

[Toyfan85]

Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers.

[Steelcurtain1933]

Mac, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay strong and things will get better.

[Voodoo Chylde]

Thoughts and prayers.

[rocky2428]

Very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Zildjian]

I have nothing to add.... stay strong.

[AstroDave]

Sorry for your loss. Keep your head up!!

[DIRK]

Sorry to hear man. Cherish every moment you had with her.

[mfan]

I'm sorry for your loss. May you have strength and, over time, be left with pleasant memories of better times.

[sibelius]

It's a terrible blessing to be with someone as they pass, isn't it? On one hand you feel that awful fear and helplessness, and on the other you recognize that you've been given a gift, to be there at that moment and help your mother as you did. I went through this as well, and some day I will fully appreciate the gift that was given to me, allowing me to be there at that time. Right now I'm still wrought with the grief so it's hard to accept emotionally that my being there was an opportunity that most people would want but so few get. My head understands; my heart is just taking more time to get there.

You may struggle with this as well in the coming days and months. From what you've said, your head has recognized this and I hope the emotional side accepts it quickly as well.

Don't let the perceived need for strength interfere with your expression of grief. Honor her with your grief and let those feelings out. I lost my mother 18 months ago, and I still have weak days. I'm struggling even tonite, reading your story and watching John Edward on TV. It's a long process, as it should be. How could we get beyond something quickly that is so cherished? Every moment you struggle is another affirmation of your feelings for her; how can that be anything but good?

I wish only peace for you and your family at this awful time. I'm very sorry for the terrible losses you've endured.

[Y Ted Ginn Y?]

Sorry to hear my friend, will pray for you and yours!!

[Disconnekted]

Sorry for your loss.Sincerely.

[wibubba]

PM sent brother. I'm here if you need me. So is the rest of the board.

[azraelms1]

PM sent brother. I'm here if you need me. So is the rest of the board.

I am sorry for your loss.

[PAUL GROSS]

Mac, my heart hurts for you man. Being the same age as you I lost my mom 14 years ago. I wasnt blessed by being there when she passed but I was there when my Grandpa passed so I know what your feeling. I know I dont know you but If you need to talk I can give you my number if you PM me.

[Thorondor 33]

Very sorry for your loss. :(

[Joe Bruin723]

My god man, I am terribly sorry to hear of this, and the timing of these events.

When I first saw the thread title, I thought you were posting some darned article about your Raiders or something, ha, but I scrolled over the title and the mention of your grandmother immediately caught my eye.

My grandmother died, Thanksgiving 06. She was first person that I knew really well to die in my life, and it was just strange when it happened. I was sad an remorseful that I didn't scratch her back enough or little things like that. But heck-- I'm not over her death by any means, but it's become a lot easier to function with 2 years time.

But the sign of a strong man is very telling in you. Most men would have just cowered and done god knows what if so many important people left them so close together. But no matter how you feel sometimes, you're doing them and us all a great honor by coming to the board and expressing what's going on. It really creates a different perspective for a lot of us and helps breed a much greater appreciation for life in all of us.

Bless you man, you and your family are well in my thoughts and prayers.

[ryan_G]

I am very sorry for your loss Ed. I can assure you she sure knew what she was doing when she raised you as you are a class act and I am glad I can consider you a friend. You have my number so give a shout if you need to shoot the shat.

RIP

[BIGMAC2570]

at this point in time NOTHING means more to me than the kind words everyone has passed along to myself and my family..You guys truly do good things when called upon.
Bubba..got the PM and I sincerely THANK YOU for the words..

Ryan..if I am calling you, it is because the EAGLES did not live up to the promise today ;)

[SeattleMariners51445]

I'm very sorry to hear of your losses bud. It must be extremely hard to lose a parent and it pains me to even think about it, I'm very close to my father. Hang in there.

[MLabrosc02]

Very sorry for your loss. Keep your head up though evne though it is very difficult at this time.

[Spawnomite]

Sorry for your loss man. :(

[jrp4182]

Wow, my thoughts are with you.

[joeg9748]

So sorry for your loss. My mother is THE best person I know. I couldn't even imagine my life without her!

[ALIMOE27]

Thoughts and prayers are with u and your family. We all gained an angel today....

[ahwkdrvr]

I am very sorry to hear this and your mother is in a better place..someday you to shall join her. I will say a prayer for you tonight.

[lwagner57]

Thoughts and prayers go to your family. Psalm 23

[auxccoach]

God Bless

[Chewdeezy]

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that bro. My prayers will go out to you and your family. Stay strong!

[PrimeBane]

So sorry for your loss Bigmac :(

As hard as it probably was, I think you'll look back and be thankful you could spend time with your mother in her final moments.

Stay strong.