Doing YOU WELL Wednesday #26 and a tribute to my mommy...



an encouragement link up and a tribute to my mother
Hi everyone! Hope you all are enjoying your week so far. Today is a bittersweet day for me. Sweet, because it was six years ago today, July 31st,  that my mother’s doctors sent her to the ER to FINALLY get a diagnosis for what was making her -this once vibrant lady, who loved doing the jitterbug with my dad- weaker and weaker as the days went by. No one knew what was zapping her energy and strength (not her family or her doctors). Bitter, because two days later on August 2nd, six months shy of her 65th birthday and 45th wedding anniversary, we would lose her on the operating table during
emergency heart surgery (she didn’t actually die until a few hours later), but she came out of surgery in a vegetated state, so technically we had lost her. Our family was devastated to say the least. The matriarch of our family...gone, just like that! Only to find out months after her death that she had a very rare autoimmune disease(systemic amyloidosis).
an encouragement link up and a tribute to my mother
Mommy at a surprise party 10 years ago for her and daddy's 40th wedding anniversary
an encouragemement link up and a tribute to my mother
Mommy and daddy on their belated honeymoon in Hilton Head, SC

To this day, it still seems surreal. I would not have believed it if someone told me six years ago that I wouldn’t have my mommy here with me! Every year on the anniversary of her death, I write her a letter, letting her know everything she missed out on that year. It brings me comfort and it’s a way of honoring her. You can read my letter from last year (HERE).  May it encourage everyone out there who has lost someone dear to them (especially their mothers), to do the same (it really works). And to all those out there who still have your mothers…after linking up today, why don’t you give her a call and tell her that you love her…so wish I could do the same. This “Doing YOU WELL Wednesday” is dedicated to my lovely mother who taught me how to do myself “well”. Love you mommy…always!!


Thank you all so much for letting me share. With that being said, did I tell you  how much I appreciate you? Well, I do! Please share with us what you're "doing well", so we can celebrate with you! You know what to do...link up, visit some blogs and share some love and encouragement!

 Don't  forget to come back Friday and chime in on a new edition to "Michell's Weekly Pearl". If you really like my blog, why not follow along. I'm a very courteous blogger, as I do follow back! :-D Now what are you waiting for, get to linking! Until next time...I call you blessed!!





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42 comments:

  1. UnknownJuly 31, 2013 at 12:10 AM

    I'm sorry for your loss, Michell. She was too young.

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 10:56 AM

      Hey Rachel!! Thank you so much...yes she was. Thanks so much for dropping by and linking up...have a wonderful week!

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  2. UnknownJuly 31, 2013 at 12:11 AM

    Love this! I'm most definitely taking your advice. I've come to truly appreciate just how big a role my mother plays in my life and I know I'm blessed to have her here for my sake and my children's. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! (((Hugs)) I've taken a brief blogging hiatus so this week I'm doing me well but getting back in the swing of things and focusing on my blog and my passion for writing and helping others.

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 11:02 AM

      Thank you Michelle!! Oh yes you are truly blessed to still have your mother with you! Wishing you the best as you refocus on what's best for you! Thanks for linking up...have a wonderful rest of your week my friend!:)

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  3. Joi @ Rx Fitness LadyJuly 31, 2013 at 12:25 AM

    What a fantastic idea for healing and honoring the memory of loved ones. Thank you for sharing that while celebrating the life of your Mommy (so sweet how you say mommy and daddy). I will be sure to pass this advice on to loved ones. I will make sure to tell Mother I love her as well. We are SUPER close, but the I love yous in our household usually only come from the young one. I feel it of course, but thanks for the reminder to verbalize! Much love to you today as well Michell!

    I'm DYW back at work this week! Thx for hosting!

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 11:08 AM

      Thank you Joi! Yes, at 45 they're still mommy and daddy to me, lol! I guess the kid in you never grows up.:) Writing letters are so therapeutic Joi. Yes, go give your mommy and daddy a great big hug! Thanks for linking up my friend...have a wonderful rest of your week!xoxo

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  4. UnknownJuly 31, 2013 at 1:00 AM

    It's been 15 years since I lost my mother and I still miss her every day. Our mothers are such an important part of our lives. I love the way you write a letter so you can tell her everything. I spent a long time reaching for the phone when something happened that I wanted to tell my mom, then and realizing she wouldn't be on the other end of the call anymore.

    Thanks for hosting the blog.

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 11:13 AM

      Hi Betty! Yes they are aren't they! I know what you mean...I still have my mom's cell number in my phone! I'll be praying for you my friend! Thanks so much for linking up today...have a blessed rest of your week!

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  5. Meredith @ The Laundry Can WaitJuly 31, 2013 at 2:00 AM

    Oh Michell. Just seeing that honeymoon picture brought tears to my eyes. Seeing your parents in love...Goodness, I'm fighting tears as I type!! Life is so very precious, and how devastating it is that your mother was taken too early...in such a quick way. She was a wonderful woman, after all she raised YOU. BTW, Kelly's Korner asked for best blogs to connect with, and I listed yours. If you want to see what I wrote yesterday, check out her blog - I left the very first comment.

    Thanks for hosting,
    Meredith

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 11:18 AM

      Awww...you're so sweet Meredith!! Now I'm tearing up, lol! I THANK God for the 40 years I had her here with me and the precious memories I have of her! Wow, how sweet of you Meredith....I'm so honored! Headed over now to check it out! Thanks so much and thanks for linking up...have a lovely rest of your week my friend!xoxo

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  6. DeniseJuly 31, 2013 at 4:12 AM

    Hi Mitchell; what a lovely tribute to your beautiful Mama. I remember very clearly (yup; daily!) when my Mother was diagnosed with Leukemia; such a shock and way too young! Thankfully I was blessed with a year to care for and spend time with her before the Lord took her to her Heavenly home. I think this is a great idea; can't wait to read it.

    Thanks for sharing friend!
    Denise

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 12:47 PM

      Hi Denise! Yes, those dates are etched in our lives...they will never be forgotten. So sorry to hear about your mom. I do hate the enemy and the spirit of sickness he's released in the earth! How sweet that you got to spend your mom's last year here on earth caring for her. And yes, our mothers are in Heaven having a blast! :) Thanks so much for linking up today Denise! Have a blessed rest of your week my friend!

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  7. UnknownJuly 31, 2013 at 4:40 AM

    Michell, my husband lost his mother 15 years ago to congestive heart failure and it was very difficult for him (and for me). I'm so sorry for your precious loss and pray that the Lord will comfort you with great joy.

    Love,
    Heather

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 12:55 PM

      Hi Heather! So sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law. Thanks so much! God is absolutely awesome...now when we think of our dear mother, we smile and no longer grieve! The joy of the Lord is our strength! Thanks so much for dropping by and linking up Heather! Have a blessed rest of your week! :)

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  8. jviola79July 31, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    Before I can even link up, I must comment. I am so sorry for your loss. I do not think the passing of time ever lessens the loss of a mom. I cannot imagine. My mom is 78 & I dread the day that she is no longer with us. You have given a beautiful tribute of your mom. She had to be an amazing woman. I am so glad that we have been given the gift of memories which linger & bring us comfort.
    Blessings, sweet friend!
    Joanne

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 1:01 PM

      She absolutely was Joanne...thank you! :-) Yes, my sisters and I have sooo many precious memories of her that will last us a lifetime! Thanks so much for linking up Joanne and don't forget to kiss your mom! :-D

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  9. JennJuly 31, 2013 at 9:09 AM

    Such a beautiful tribute to your Mom, she must have been an amazing woman :)

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
    (¸.•´ (¸.•`¤... Jennifer
    Jenn's Random Scraps

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 1:03 PM

      Hi Jenn...yes she was! Thanks so much for your kind words and thanks for linking up...have a wonderful rest of your week!

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  10. Bekah Loves BlogJuly 31, 2013 at 9:28 AM

    So sorry to hear about your mom. Even with the passing of time, there isn't much harder than losing someone so close.

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 1:06 PM

      You're right Bekah! There will always be something that will remind you of them. Thanks so much my friend and thanks for linking up! Have an awesome week!

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  11. Covenant Grace July 31, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    Michell, I love the way you have chosen to pay tribute to your mom. It is such a beautiful way to record all of the thoughts and memories that you would share with her if she were still here. Blessings to you!

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 1:10 PM

      Hi Trinity! Thank you! I have to scale it down though. I have the gift of gab, so you can just imagine how long that letter would be! Lol! Thanks so much for linking up my friend...have a blessed rest of your week!

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  12. Heather NelsenJuly 31, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    Oh Michell- you have me in tears. I can't imagine how hard that was for you. I love the way you are choosing to honor her each year with a letter. I know you're looking forward to the day you'll get to see her again!

    Heather

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 1:14 PM

      Awww...Heather, so sweet! Thank you so much and yes, I am! Thanks for linking up...may you have a wonderful rest of your week!

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  13. AnonymousJuly 31, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    I clicked to read but it sent me to google:( - I love your heart, your love for your mama - and that she did the jitterbug with your dad:) Those memories are a rich inheritance:)

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 1:19 PM

      Hi, sorry about that! I'll just have to do a blog post for the one I'll write on Friday!;-) It may be the settings. I think if you request to read it, it'll send me a notification. Once I've approved, you should be able to then. Yes, she could dance circles around you! She had the stamina of a teenager! Thanks so much for linking up...have a lovely rest of your week! ;-)

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  14. Chris CarterJuly 31, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    Oh my... I don't think I knew exactly how she passed. How tragic. Horrible. Oh Michell.. you know she is dancing with the KING now!! And reading every one of your precious love letters. GOD BLESS YOU.

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 1:26 PM

      Welcome back Chris, hope you had fun!!! Yes, it was quick...I think that's what made it so hard Chris. And yes, she is dancing with the King! No fair...oh well, we all will one day, huh?;-) That's what brings me comfort Chris, knowing that she is doing what we all are striving to get to one day...living with our Father in eternity! It must be awesome! Thanks for dropping by and linking up and again, welcome back my friend! Have a blessed rest of your week!

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  15. Twingle MommyJuly 31, 2013 at 1:15 PM

    So sorry for your loss. It's funny how as daughters we go from fighting with our moms to realizing how much we really need them.

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    1. Michell PulliamJuly 31, 2013 at 1:30 PM

      Thank you so much!! IKR, I think out of the three of us...I gave my mom the most grief, lol! We use to laugh about that when I became an adult! Thanks so much for dropping by and linking up...have a lovely rest of your week!

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  16. csuhpat1July 31, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    Sorry for your loss. I know she is looking out for you from above.

    Today is my son's 16th Birthday.

    Sending you a blessing.

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    1. Michell PulliamAugust 3, 2013 at 11:33 AM

      Thanks so much Patrick and "Happy Birthday" to your son! Thanks so much for linking up...have a wonderful weekend!

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  17. UnknownJuly 31, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    A very touching story Michell! I know what it is like to lose family members. It is a great idea to write a letter to your mom on the anniversary of her death. Writing is indeed therapeutic. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on yet another anniversary. Thanks again for hosting.

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    1. Michell PulliamAugust 3, 2013 at 11:39 AM

      Hi Judy! Thank you so much!! It does help a lot my friend! Thanks so much for your prayers and thanks for linking up! Have an awesome weekend!!

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  18. WandaAugust 1, 2013 at 12:39 AM

    Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Your yearly letter writing is such a unique way of honoring your mother's memory.

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    1. Michell PulliamAugust 3, 2013 at 11:40 AM

      Hey there Wanda! Thank you! I hope others are encouraged to do the same!! Thanks for stopping by and linking up...have a blessed weekend!

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  19. KalleyC | bloggingwhilenursingAugust 1, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    Michell, I am so sorry for your loss. I know loss of a parent too well. I think what you suggest is a great thing to do--call up our mothers (or our parents) and let them know how much love them, and what they mean to us. If I was able to do that for my dad again, I know I would.

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    1. Michell PulliamAugust 3, 2013 at 11:43 AM

      Oh yes, Kalley...what I wouldn't give to hear my mothers voice again! Sorry for the loss of your dad! Thanks so much for stopping by and linking up...have a wonderful weekend!

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  20. DeniseAugust 1, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    nice tribute.

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    1. Michell PulliamAugust 3, 2013 at 11:44 AM

      Thanks so much Denise! Have a lovely weekend my friend!!

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  21. AlisonAugust 1, 2013 at 10:46 PM

    So sorry about your mom, Michell! I can certainly empathize. I lost my dad almost four years ago and did not get to see him before he died. It was devastating. I wrote about it here: http://learntoembracethestruggle.com/love-a-marcia/

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    1. Michell PulliamAugust 3, 2013 at 11:49 AM

      Oh, so sorry to hear that Alison! I got to the hospital too late that Thursday and mom had already gone into emergency surgery. I didn't get a chance to say good-bye...that's the one thing I hate. :( I'll be sure to go by and read it! Thanks so much for linking up my friend...have a blessed weekend!

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Thanks so much for dropping by...I really appreciate it! Please check back for a response to your comment, as I post all responses to comments here on the blog, not via email. Please note, as this is a Christian blog...any comment that contains offensive and/or inappropriate language will be sent to the authorities...NAH, but seriously though, they WILL BE deleted. :-) Have a great day...I call you blessed! ;-)


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