You may have read in our Saturday newsletter, that early last Thursday we lost my mother, our beloved Nana. Many of you met my mother over the years and decades, because she was such a part of our lives. I moved back to Colorado in 1990 as a major life decision, because I knew she would need me one day. We helped and supported and loved each other over the decades, and I would not be who I am today, without her enthusiastic support. In 2009 as her older husband’s health seriously declined and he needed fulltime nursing care, she moved in with our family. She had just about killed herself caring for an older ill spouse by herself. My whole family has been involved in helping her since then, and I am grateful to my husband and kids for their love and patience as we went on this journey with Mom.
My mother was a pianist, and she was my accompanist when I performed on my cello in junior high and high school. We won a talent show together. She shared her love of horses with me, and I got a pinto quarter horse and did junior barrel racing at 14 years old. She supported me as an artist, framing my artwork and hanging them on the walls. One of my paintings was on the wall next to her up until the end. She always had a hug and a smile, a positive word, and an optimistic outlook. She was a Pisces, a true idealist, and she always managed to always see the best in others.
At the age of 46 she had breast cancer. She survived the surgery, chemo and radiation, to live another 40 years. Paul’s mother was a BC survivor also, and hence the inclusion of Breast Cancer Research in our list of 7 charities. She was so proud of our success, our family, and every milestone as we raised money to help those in need. I know that I was so lucky to have her for a mother. The last time we spoke, she said, as she always did…”I am so lucky to have you as a daughter.” May you all be so blessed with such unconditional love in your life.
I have posted her obituary and some photos on this page, for those of you who would like to remember or know more about Carolye Johnson. When she came to the end, she was supported by a privately-owned hospice team who came to her room in the nursing home every day. I highly recommend seeking out a non-corporate hospice team when a family member needs this kind of support. They are Angels on Earth. Mom had the peaceful end of life that she deserved.
Sharing your love of fabric…
Luana and Paul
