“On July 4th, 2019, our beautiful mom was welcomed into heaven. I have no doubt she ran straight to my dad and brother with love and open arms. We are so grateful that she is once again with her Tom, her love. Our hearts are shattered to have lost our best friend. No one was kinder, stronger, more generous or genuine. Our mom is finally free from the pain and suffering. A true Independence Day for a woman who lost so much to Alzheimer’s. Soar high, mom. You’ve more than earned it. We love you so much.”
I shared the words above on my Instagram and we were completely overwhelmed and deeply touched by all of the sentiments left for our family. I’ve really struggled with how to write about this precious soul that so many of you fell in love with. Her 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s is over. She’s free. She’s fully restored and I could not be more grateful.
Last night, for the first time in years, mom appeared in my dream as her bubbly and endearing self prior to the disease. It was the mom I had lost so many years ago. My best friend. Further proof to me that she is soaring high and looking down upon us. A gift in a time of immense sadness and loss.
I can’t find the words to write at the moment but they will come. My heart is at peace knowing my parents are reunited. While we have said goodbye to this journey with mom, I do believe she has so much more to teach us and I feel strongly about supporting those in the trenches with this disease. Our fight will continue.
“I am so proud of you. You did it, mom. I love you.”
Those were the last words I whispered to my beautiful mom after she passed away. She had finally allowed herself to let go. I could not be more proud of the way she loved, cared, gave, encouraged, inspired and fought. She was the strongest warrior I have ever known. She earned her wings and leaves behind an amazing legacy. While this is goodbye to Alzheimer’s, it’s merely an “until we meet again,” to our angel of a mom.
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I’m so sorry for your loss, but so grateful your mom is no longer suffering. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Your parents were both so special. And the way you and your husband and kids cherished your time with your mom – my parents are thankfully healthy right now, but as I’ve read your blog, and watched your mom’s illness progress, it has been a reminder that things can change, and we need to be present and grateful for each and every moment. I hope you and your family find some peace knowing that you’re in our thoughts. ❤️
Bless your heart. I am so sorry for your loss, but rejoice in the peace that I know you and your loved ones are feeling. It’s literally a peace that can’t be explained. You are extremely sad, but just knowing your momma is whole again, happy, with your dad and no longer confused and suffering is comforting. You and your family are in my prayers.
Heartfelt prayers to you and your family. Your mom sounds like such an amazing woman. She is free now and that has to be comforting, but I imagine gut wrenching for you. I hope time and the love of family and friends helps ease your pain. Thank you for sharing this. 💕
I am just so sorry. My heart is broken for you.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have followed your journey and have been awed by your grace, kindness and perspective through everything. Wishing you and your family much peace and comfort. No doubt both your parents were extraordinary people to have raised such a loving daughter.
I am so sorry for your loss. The care you showed and gave your mother during her journey is a true testament to the person she was and the marvelous daughter she raised. I hope the memories of your Mom bring you and your family some comfort during this difficult time You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am praying for you and yours as you deal with this new reality, but I also rejoice with you that she has now been made well! Thankful for *that* reality and the peace found within it. I trust that you can rest in the assurance that you (and your family) did your parents very proud in the ways you loved and cared for your mother.
Prayers for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your journey with Alzheimer’s.
This post is so touching Courtney and I’m grateful that you shared despite the sadness you and your family must be in the midst of. Our lives are also touched by this disease and I never knew the true impact it has on everyone in the family as well as the circle of friends. Thank you for opening the discussion and being an example of strength, courage and hope for all “in the trenches” right now.
There is comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved and free of any suffering. You’re in my prayers.
Xoxo,
Tiffany
I am so sorry. You and your family will be in my prayers. And thank you for sharing this journey with the rest of us. Your mother’s life and your family’s love has been an inspiration to so many.
Beautifully said as always. Your mama was a gem and I know she is holding you close.
xoxo
Prayers for all of you. Your journey has touched so many and your love for her was palpable.
The way you, your husband and children have loved and cared for your mom during her illness has been a touching and inspiring thing to watch. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with all of us. It’s strengthened so many in ways you may never know. Bless you, Courtney. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I couldn’t have said it better.
And that dream of your mom you just had was a precious gift.
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. You have paid such a tribute to your parents over the many stories you have shared. Thank you for your tremendous gift to us.
I have so admired the way you have shared your family’s journey. You have done an incredible job of articulating your feelings and experience. I have learned a lot from you. I am sending a prayer for your family. The way you have loved each other through your hardships is a true testament to the family your parents raised.
Your instagram post took my breath away. I am so sorry for your incredible loss, but so thankful she is at peace, which has also brought you great peace. Thank you for the strength to share her journey with all of us. May your family rejoice knowing she is free from suffering. Take good care of you while you grieve…love to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Courtney. I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s two years ago and have been following your journey with your mom. Thank you for sharing your story.
I am sorry for the loss of your mother and what you all have been through. I am glad she is no longer suffering. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories of your mother. Hugs and prayers to your family.
Sending you warm hugs and huge condolences. I’ve followed along with your journey as well as had some of my own journeys with Alzheimer’s. Feeling sorrow for you today. I’m so sorry.
I am so sorry for your loss and hope you and your family are able to find comfort together as you grieve.
So touching, amazing. Brought me to tears &Iyou dont even know me,but then again maybe you do,we are after all only all human. Xoxo
Holding you and yours close in prayer as you grieve this beautiful soul… your sharing here has been a gift to so many and an inspiration to all. Be kind to yourself and know you, too, are much loved.
Blessings, Heidi
Thanks for sharing this journey with us. I don’t know what it like to have a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but I have had many friends who have. Unfortunately, I do know what it like to have lost both of my parents and how you are relieved that they are reunited. The loss of their earthly presence is a void that never really goes away. Prayers for you and your family as you adjust to the new normal. May your memories be a comfort.
Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful mother with us. I know the pain of losing her is unbearable at times. The glory is knowing you will see her again and what a celebration it will be.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for writing so beautifully and honestly about your journey through her illness over the years. I hope you find some peace with her passing.
I, too, am so very sorry for the loss of your mom. For whatever the reason is that they leave us, it’s always so hard to lose your mom. I’m glad she is no longer suffering and that she is with your dad and brother. You have been such a good daughter! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
I am so sorry that she has left you but I understand your grateful heart for her being made whole again. It can be lonely when they are finally gone. Thinking of you-
I’m so sorry. Wishing you quiet time and peace to reflect on good memories with her. You honored your mom during her sickness with such love.
I’m so sorry for your immense loss. I know you will miss your mom. I will miss hearing about her, and I don’t even know her except through your blog. It takes such a special being to touch your heart like she has. God bless her and God bless you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in all the wonderful memories you made with her.
Boy did your mom do a great job in raising a wonderful daughter. Just beautiful in this time of loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. May your mom rest in heavenly peace.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. You and your family were so loving and giving to her in every way that you possibly could. You all treated your mom with so much grace and dignity. I loved reading about your journey with her and how much she enjoyed such cute stuffed animals , ice cream and music. Take your time with grieving and stay close to your family as you all recall lots of good memories and fun times you once shared with her. Warm thoughts and prayers are being sent to all of you and your lovely sister and her family as well. 💕
I’ve never commented but have read and enjoyed your blog for a long time. I’m so very sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Thinking of you at this hard time
Dear Courtney,
Such beautiful sentiments you have received. Really helps to read them again and again to know you’re not alone. Your friends and family will always be here for you as well as your angels in heaven. ❤️❤️❤️
Blessings, Nancy- always remembering our special times at St. Tim’s with your parents.
So sorry for your loss . You have turned your tragedy into an open dialogue, one that has healing powers for others and I hope to your family.
Please know that opening up as difficult as it could be is so helpful beyond you will know. Beyond the perfect instagram thank you for sharing with us what we all share loss ,vulnerability adn doing it with grace,
My prayers for you and your family. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort. XO
I am a fairly new subscriber, so I just caught the end of your mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s. I am so sorry for your loss but so thankful you shared so much of your mom with your readers. What a precious lady!! I pray you will be comforted with all of the wonderful memories you have with her.
Hugs!!!
So sorry for your loss. In the weeks and months to come, I wish your memories of your best friend are the happy ones, when she was whole. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on the person when they were healthy and happy. I know she is again that person. Whenever you think of her, she is with you.
Deeply sorry about the loss of your Mom. Through your post it showed how much she was loved and what a beautiful person she was. I know how horrible this disease is, dealing with members of my family and my husbands family. You have taught me a lot of how to handle the ups and downs. Thank you for that.
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve founded your post and pray that if ever I am faced with loving and caring for a loved one who suffers from this terrible disease, I can be as graceful and loving through the journey as you have been. May God wrap you with continued good dreams and memories.
Courtney, I am thinking of you. Thank you for what you wrote above and for sharing your mother and your family’s journey with your readers. Your mother was so fortunate to have you as a daughter.
Beautiful words Courtney!! Makes my eyes fill with tears! Please know I am thinking of you and your family at this tough time. I pray that peace will help you travel these next few days, weeks, and months and carry your heavy hearts. I too believe that we will live after we die. I also believe that families can be together forever. That to me is such a sacred, special gift. Family is really everything! Sending my love!
I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing peace and healing for you and your family. I lost my Mom 11 years ago and found great comfort in the book “Forever Ours” by Janis Amatuzio. Your Mom is your guardian angel now–forever watching over her family.
Courtney, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I feel like I had come to know your Mom through the many stories you have courageously shared, She is most definitely leaving behind a beautiful legacy. Wishing you peace and strength in the coming days.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know it’s been a long, hard journey with Alzheimer’s, and you have been strong and generous to share your mom with us. Praying for you, and I love that you saw her as her old self one again.
You have been such an inspiration ~ the way you love your mom wholeheartedly and the way you cared for her gently, with grace and with unconditional love. I am very sorry for your loss, but I am thankful that she is no longer suffering and that she is reunited with her soulmate, as well as her son. May God continue to provide you, your husband and children with strength and peace. In time, may you find joy and contentment. You have been through so much on this journey ~ please take good care of your heart and mind. Hugs to you and your dear family.
God bless you Courtney and I pray you are comforted by God’s love and the love of others during this most difficult time. Thank you for sharing the journey with us and thank you for sharing your mom with us.
So beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. I wish you peace as you move forward. xo
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for a beautiful post about your mom and for sharing parts of this journey with us. I’m grateful for the peace that you feel, even though there is pain. Many blessings to you and your family.
I found your blog years ago when I had lost a best friend suddenly. It was a post about your brother. I have followed you ever since. This is a beautiful post. Thank you for always sharing. Praying for you and your beautiful family. She is with your dad and your brother. Thinking of you during this time.
Sending so much love to you, Courtney. What beautiful words to honor your mother. You’re making such a difference sharing your journey with the world. I’m praying for your family.
Thinking of you all during this terribly sad time Courtney, and praying for your strength and healing. May your mom soar with the angels and spread her wings to be reunited with our Father and your special Dad.
Thank you for sharing her story with us – what a special soul to have known x
I am so very sorry about the loss of your wonderful mother. May our Lord Jesus give you and your family his perfect peace. Hugs xox
I am so sorry for you loss. Thank you for sharing her journey and yours. You are right when you said she will continue to teach you for many years to come. My mother left us in 1997 after an 11 year battle with the same disease, and her legacy continues to teach me every day. Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your family for strength to move forward.
My best friend from high school introduced me to your blog a couple years ago following the loss of my mom to cancer and Alzheimer’s. She told me your writing about your relationship with your parents coupled with beautiful home and style advice was right up my alley — and it is! You have such a gift of expression! It was healing to me to read your sweet posts about your parents, especially the often not talked about mundane, but painful day in and day out of life with Alzheimer’s. Before my mom’s diagnosis almost a decade ago, she co-founded and was the executive director of a wonderful day care center for people in early to moderate stages of Alzheimers. She always said, “our participants may not remember what you said, but they remember how you made them feel.” You clearly treated your mom with love, dignity and respect. I feel sure your mom knew and felt your love. What a model you are to those thousands of care givers. I hope you and your family have a relaxing and renewing trip to Vail. God bless you, Courtney!
So sorry for your loss. May your faith and love you are surrounded by bring you peace. Thank you for sharing your journey. Your love and admiration was so apparent in your words and pictures. You are so lucky to have had such an amazing mother, friend and teacher!
I’m sorry for your loss. She was lucky to have you as a daughter, and it was good you were able to give her sweet words on her departure.
Such a beautiful post about a beautiful soul. So very sorry for your loss. I am touched by your hopeful perspective that the goodbye is to Alzheimer’s and that you will see her again one day by the grace of God. May he comfort your hearts now.
I am a brand new reader to your blog, so had not read your posts about your Mom. I am so very sorry for your loss.
I just read your Mom’s story and I’m just 😭. I’m so sorry, my heart hurts for you. I just lost my Mom to Alzheimer’s 2/24/2019 and miss her beyond words. Your Mom was so beautiful, just like mine was. And now they are free from that horrible disease. We have peace in knowing we will be together with them again one day. ❤️❤️