Loss of a Mother

a story of Tommy at Mom's house

by Sharon Barbee

It has been six months since the death of my mother. As many of you have experienced, the pain of the loss is still very fresh. She was my last parent, a really good friend and the only one, besides our Kerry, who loved me unconditionally in spite of my faults.

Our Kerry, Tommy, had a very special connection with my Mom. One of his very favorite things was to visit her and run very fast around her large back yard. Tommy always started getting excited when we got on the highway heading to her house. He would start to whine and give little "Buff-Buff" barks of excitement. As soon as we arrived and I unlatched his seat belt harness, he would tear off for her large back yard. If Mom was well enough, she would stand at the back window with a big smile on her face as she watched Tommy race around the yard. After he slowed down, she would call to Tommy and he would race to the back door to greet her.

Two nights before her passing I brought our son, Sasha, and the dog to visit Mom at the nursing home. She had already started to pass into another world. However, when I said, "Sasha's here", she snapped back to this world and gave Sasha a hug and a kiss and shared how much she loved him. She did no less for Tommy when he placed his front paws on her bed and leaned forward to be near her. Her face lit-up and she said his name and hugged him hard like he was a strong dear friend.

In late December I took the family to her house for the last time before I sold it. Tommy took his last run around the back yard. Then he let me hold him tight as I remembered the big smile Mom always had for him.

He was a great joy and comfort to my Mother. He is still of great comfort to me. I feel other people in my life need not to see my pain anymore. So I try to grieve alone these days. Tommy always senses these times and comes to me and gently nuzzles his head on my lap or on my shoulder. It is nice not to grieve alone.