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Laura Mintz

Social Media Marketing & Lifestyle Blog

Unexpected Loss and Grief: A Tribute To My Mama

March 18, 2019      Laura Mintz      Leave a Comment

unexpected loss and grief: Laura and her mama
unexpected loss and grief: Laura and her mama
unexpected loss and grief: Laura and her mama
Yesterday, March 17th, was the worst day of my entire life. Truthfully, I don’t even know where to begin. For those of you that know me personally or have read some of my previous blog posts, you know that my Mama was diagnosed with Amyloidosis in 2017. She had a stem cell transplant in August of 2018. Two weeks ago, her transplant doctor at Chapel Hill released her for all activities and told her she was doing great. She felt the best and was able to do the most since before her diagnosis. But yesterday, the Lord saw fit to take her to Heaven. To say my heart is broken is an understatement; I have no idea how to deal with this unexpected loss and crushing grief.

I talked to my Mama every single day. I called her on the way to work at 7:40 every morning. I talked to her every night. I would laugh because no matter when I came home in the evening, I would no sooner walk up the steps and the phone would ring. We laughed and said she must have a tracking device on me. I talked to her the last time on Saturday afternoon. She had been to a baby shower and was going to the grocery store. I asked her to pick up some slaw mix for me so I could have hotdogs and hamburgers on Sunday for Morgan’s birthday. She asked me if I wanted to eat spaghetti with her that night, but I told her I already had food laid out. We talked about getting a car for Hope and going to look at some in the next few weeks together.

My Daddy told me she cooked that night and had a great meal with him, my brother, sister-in-law and some of her grandkids. Then she went to bed after watching television with my Dad and had a low grade fever of around 99.

When my cell phone rang at 8:10 AM and it was my dad calling from his cell phone, I knew immediately when the phone rang that something was wrong. My mom usually calls me every morning, but she uses their house phone. He told me to come to his house (I live right next door) and help him get my mama dressed. Daddy told me she was burning up with a fever and not lucid. Immediately, I jumped in the truck and ran down the driveway to their house. When I arrived my mom was lying in the bed and was so sick she could not sit up and nothing she said really made a lot of sense. But I talked to her and asked which pajamas she wanted to change into and then I told my Daddy that she was the most sick I had ever seen her and that I thought we should call an ambulance. I came home and changed clothes, brushed my teeth and ran right back down there. The ambulance was on the way. When the first responders arrived they could not get her blood pressure it was so low and her oxygen was registering at 65. I could see that she was doing worse than even 10 minutes prior. When they started to the ambulance she went into cardiac arrest. They were able to revive her and brought her to Pardee Hospital. My Dad and siblings arrived with the ambulance and we sat in the waiting room for an update. They finally came to get us around 40 minutes later. The ER doctor told us that he was not sure what was going on but it appeared my mom had a terrible infection. They could not get her oxygen levels or blood pressure up, her white blood cells were very low and so were her platelets. He indicated that they needed to intubate her so she could breath and get oxygen. In the middle of the explanation the nurse yelled for him and he went running. About 20 minutes later we were told that her heart stopped again while they were placing the ventilator, but they were able to get a pulse again. Once she was stable, they would transfer her to ICU. Maybe 10 minutes later, the doctor came in and told us that her heart stopped again and they were unable to revive her. Everything in my world shifted at that point. I do not understand even a little bit. However, I know one thing for sure, I will see her again one day. While this does not take my sorrow away, it does give me a peace in my heart that passes all understanding.

The best that I can understand, based on information we have received, is that my Mom somehow contracted a bacterial infection (but I don’t know what kind yet), her immune system was still compromised some from the stem cell transplant and it attacked her very hard. The infection made her oxygen and blood pressure drop dangerously low and that made her heart work extra hard. Additionally her lungs were filled with fluid. Medically, we may have answers, but in my heart all I can think is that God wanted her with Him. And I can’t blame Him, she was the best.

I tried to go to bed around 11 last night, I am not sure when I finally fell asleep. But I woke up around 2 and have been up cleaning my kitchen and doing laundry and thinking of all the good things with my Mama. I can honestly say that I don’t have one bad memory with my Mom. Not one. She was the most amazing person that I have ever known. She was kind and generous and would go out of her way to make you feel happiness. She has been there for me through thick and thin and never made me wonder if I was loved.

There are some things about my Mama that will always stick with me. I hope and pray that I can be even half the woman and mother she was to me. She loved her family and was selfless. She always took care of all of us. Mama would cook supper and call me after work and tell me to come eat if she knew I had a long day. She loved to bake and made the best cinnamon rolls. My Daddy says they would melt in your mouth they were so light and good. Mama took care of sick kids and grandchildren more times than I can count. When her Mom had a massive stroke, she cooked supper practically every night, took her to doctors appointments and to the beauty shop and cleaned her house for 7 years. Through all that time, she never complained even one time or took a break for herself. It was only when she got sick that she was forced to put Mamaw in an assisted living facility. And oh did she struggle with guilt from putting her there; even though she made it a point to see her almost every day. My sweet mama picked up Hope from school and been a taxi for me more times than I could ever imagine.

All of those things she did for me and others are true and great, but she was also fun. We watched certain TV shows together and talked and analyzed them and try to predict what was going to happen. I got my love of shopping and clothes from her. I have been to Greenville and Asheville buying (and returning) things many times over the years. She always wanted to look nice and wanted her clothes and jewelry to compliment and match. A couple of weeks ago, she purchased a green jacket and loved it. On the night she bought it she came to my house to show it to me and told me I could borrow it to wear with my green heels (from my previous post) because it would look so good with them. My mama went all over creation looking for a necklace to match and she finally found it just last week. But the most important thing about my Mama? She loved Jesus and she loved everyone. I can’t think of a time where she was not taking care of someone and showing them compassion and love.

I keep thinking about the lyrics to a song by Brad Paisley. In the song, “Last Time For Everything” he talks about all the things in this life that we take for granted or never think will end; but they always do. One of the lines is “Biscuits and gravy at my Mama’s house”, I can’t tell you the number of times my Mama made biscuits and my Daddy made sausage and gravy. At least 1-2 times a week growing up. And she made biscuits basically every morning I can remember except Sunday, when we had muffins, because it was faster to get to church. I never thought that the last time I had biscuits and gravy with her would be the last time. For anyone that has a Mother still alive, I would urge you to never take them for granted, go give them a hug and tell them how much you love them. I would love to have one more day with mine.

So now, I am going to take a shower and go to my Mama and Daddy’s house. It is early, but I know my Daddy is awake. And I am going to attempt to make biscuits that might be 75% as good as my Mama’s and I am going to get him to make some sausage and gravy. Even though it won’t be quite the same or nearly as good, I am hoping it is good for our soul at least.

Related posts:

  1. Calvin Klein Floral Dress with Flutter Sleeves + A Special Connection With My Mama
  2. One Week Without My Mama: It’s Not A Bad Dream, It Is Reality
  3. Grief Reflections and Aunt Frankie’s Chocolate Brownies Recipe
  4. Thankful Tuesday + My Mama’s Southern Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kim says

    March 18, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    Sweet Laura,
    Your mother raised some wonderful people! I know she would be so proud to see this beautiful tribute. Words can never take away your pain but I hope you feel my love, my prayers, and my hugs to you all… please give your Daddy a big hug for me too. If I have done half the job raising my children as your Mom did hers, I will be proud!

    Reply
  2. kim says

    March 18, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    Sweet Laura,
    Your mother raised some wonderful people! I know she would be so proud to see this beautiful tribute. Words can never take away your pain but I hope you feel my love, my prayers, and my hugs to you all… please give your Daddy a big hug for me too. If I have done half the job raising my children as your Mom did hers, I will be proud!

    Reply
  3. kim says

    March 18, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    Sweet Laura,
    Your mother raised some wonderful people! I know she would be so proud to see this beautiful tribute. Words can never take away your pain but I hope you feel my love, my prayers, and my hugs to you all… please give your Daddy a big hug for me too. If I have done half the job raising my children as your Mom did hers, I will be proud!

    Reply
  4. Susie says

    March 18, 2019 at 6:21 pm

    Oh my goodness, my tears are flowing as I read this. My heart breaks for you my sweet friend, as I know how close you and your momma were. No words I can say will comfort you in the pain your are enduring but know that your momma loved you with all her heart and she will forever stay there. Sending a hugs and lots of love.love you

    Reply
  5. Susie says

    March 18, 2019 at 6:21 pm

    Oh my goodness, my tears are flowing as I read this. My heart breaks for you my sweet friend, as I know how close you and your momma were. No words I can say will comfort you in the pain your are enduring but know that your momma loved you with all her heart and she will forever stay there. Sending a hugs and lots of love.love you

    Reply
  6. Susie says

    March 18, 2019 at 6:21 pm

    Oh my goodness, my tears are flowing as I read this. My heart breaks for you my sweet friend, as I know how close you and your momma were. No words I can say will comfort you in the pain your are enduring but know that your momma loved you with all her heart and she will forever stay there. Sending a hugs and lots of love.love you

    Reply
  7. Lisa Anne says

    March 18, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I love you,����
    Aunt Sandy had a heart of gold, and I'm going to miss her. She was always there for me. �� I always loved eating her left overs! Her Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, cube steak & gravy and roast were my favorite! Ooohhhh can't forget all her wonderful desserts. She was an amazing cook and a wonderful Aunt. I keep thinking what you said, God must have needed her, and it's not good bye, it's I'll see you soon. You know she got a hug from your pawpaw, Granny,and grandpa when she went through the gates.. Grandpa always loved Aunt Sandy, ��What a glad reunion day!! We will see her soon �� Praise The Lord! I love you and I'm here anytime, pick up the phone or stop by.. ����

    Reply
  8. Lisa Anne says

    March 18, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I love you,����
    Aunt Sandy had a heart of gold, and I'm going to miss her. She was always there for me. �� I always loved eating her left overs! Her Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, cube steak & gravy and roast were my favorite! Ooohhhh can't forget all her wonderful desserts. She was an amazing cook and a wonderful Aunt. I keep thinking what you said, God must have needed her, and it's not good bye, it's I'll see you soon. You know she got a hug from your pawpaw, Granny,and grandpa when she went through the gates.. Grandpa always loved Aunt Sandy, ��What a glad reunion day!! We will see her soon �� Praise The Lord! I love you and I'm here anytime, pick up the phone or stop by.. ����

    Reply
  9. Lisa Anne says

    March 18, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I love you,����
    Aunt Sandy had a heart of gold, and I'm going to miss her. She was always there for me. �� I always loved eating her left overs! Her Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, cube steak & gravy and roast were my favorite! Ooohhhh can't forget all her wonderful desserts. She was an amazing cook and a wonderful Aunt. I keep thinking what you said, God must have needed her, and it's not good bye, it's I'll see you soon. You know she got a hug from your pawpaw, Granny,and grandpa when she went through the gates.. Grandpa always loved Aunt Sandy, ��What a glad reunion day!! We will see her soon �� Praise The Lord! I love you and I'm here anytime, pick up the phone or stop by.. ����

    Reply
  10. Kelly says

    March 18, 2019 at 11:27 pm

    Oh Laura! My heart breaks for you! I love you and am praying for you, my precious friend.

    Reply
  11. Kelly says

    March 18, 2019 at 11:27 pm

    Oh Laura! My heart breaks for you! I love you and am praying for you, my precious friend.

    Reply
  12. Kelly says

    March 18, 2019 at 11:27 pm

    Oh Laura! My heart breaks for you! I love you and am praying for you, my precious friend.

    Reply
  13. karen eicholtz says

    March 19, 2019 at 12:40 am

    You and your mom have so much in common, Laura. You are both beautiful people inside and out. I only knew her for a fraction of her life, but I know she had that special something that made me want her to be my mom too! I am beyond blessed to have her as my friend. God bless her and you, Laura. Love you.

    Reply
  14. karen eicholtz says

    March 19, 2019 at 12:40 am

    You and your mom have so much in common, Laura. You are both beautiful people inside and out. I only knew her for a fraction of her life, but I know she had that special something that made me want her to be my mom too! I am beyond blessed to have her as my friend. God bless her and you, Laura. Love you.

    Reply
  15. RuthA says

    March 19, 2019 at 1:37 am

    Praying for you and your family. ❤️

    Reply
  16. RuthA says

    March 19, 2019 at 1:37 am

    Praying for you and your family. ❤️

    Reply
  17. RuthA says

    March 19, 2019 at 1:37 am

    Praying for you and your family. ❤️

    Reply
  18. M. Mabie says

    March 20, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. This was a beautiful tribute to your mother, Laura. ♡

    Reply
  19. M. Mabie says

    March 20, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. This was a beautiful tribute to your mother, Laura. ♡

    Reply
  20. M. Mabie says

    March 20, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. This was a beautiful tribute to your mother, Laura. ♡

    Reply
  21. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:17 am

    Thank you so much. She was an amazing woman and I hope I make her proud.

    Reply
  22. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:17 am

    Thank you so much. She was an amazing woman and I hope I make her proud.

    Reply
  23. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:17 am

    Thank you so much. She was an amazing woman and I hope I make her proud.

    Reply
  24. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:19 am

    Thank you so much for taking the time to drive up to her service. It was so kind of you. She was a wonderful mama and I love her very much.

    Reply
  25. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:19 am

    Thank you so much for taking the time to drive up to her service. It was so kind of you. She was a wonderful mama and I love her very much.

    Reply
  26. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:19 am

    Thank you so much for taking the time to drive up to her service. It was so kind of you. She was a wonderful mama and I love her very much.

    Reply
  27. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:20 am

    She did have a heart of gold, Lisa. Thank you so much for everything. She loved you very much.

    Reply
  28. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:20 am

    She did have a heart of gold, Lisa. Thank you so much for everything. She loved you very much.

    Reply
  29. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:20 am

    She did have a heart of gold, Lisa. Thank you so much for everything. She loved you very much.

    Reply
  30. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:25 am

    Thank you, Kelly. I love you too and keep the prayers coming.

    Reply
  31. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:25 am

    Thank you, Kelly. I love you too and keep the prayers coming.

    Reply
  32. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:25 am

    Thank you, Kelly. I love you too and keep the prayers coming.

    Reply
  33. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Thank you, Karen. She was a beautiful person and I am so lucky that God allowed her to be my mama. She thought so much of you. Thank you for coming to the service and for being a great friend.

    Reply
  34. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Thank you, Karen. She was a beautiful person and I am so lucky that God allowed her to be my mama. She thought so much of you. Thank you for coming to the service and for being a great friend.

    Reply
  35. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Thank you, Karen. She was a beautiful person and I am so lucky that God allowed her to be my mama. She thought so much of you. Thank you for coming to the service and for being a great friend.

    Reply
  36. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Thank you so much

    Reply
  37. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Thank you so much

    Reply
  38. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Thank you so much

    Reply
  39. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:28 am

    Thank you, Mo. I appreciate all the prayers. She was a wonderful person.

    Reply
  40. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:28 am

    Thank you, Mo. I appreciate all the prayers. She was a wonderful person.

    Reply
  41. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 21, 2019 at 1:28 am

    Thank you, Mo. I appreciate all the prayers. She was a wonderful person.

    Reply
  42. Mica says

    March 23, 2019 at 6:28 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Your mum sounds like a wonderful woman. How precious you were close and spent a lot of time together, but it makes parting even sadder. What a shock. So sorry for you and your family.

    Reply
  43. Mica says

    March 23, 2019 at 6:28 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Your mum sounds like a wonderful woman. How precious you were close and spent a lot of time together, but it makes parting even sadder. What a shock. So sorry for you and your family.

    Reply
  44. Mica says

    March 23, 2019 at 6:28 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Your mum sounds like a wonderful woman. How precious you were close and spent a lot of time together, but it makes parting even sadder. What a shock. So sorry for you and your family.

    Reply
  45. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 23, 2019 at 11:17 am

    Thank you for your kind words, Mica. It has been very shocking and heartbreaking. <3

    Reply
  46. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 23, 2019 at 11:17 am

    Thank you for your kind words, Mica. It has been very shocking and heartbreaking. <3

    Reply
  47. Laura, Illuminate Blog says

    March 23, 2019 at 11:17 am

    Thank you for your kind words, Mica. It has been very shocking and heartbreaking. <3

    Reply

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A Western North Carolina Based Life and Style Blogger. I have a passion for affordable, classy fashion, great tasting food, easy recipes, good books, and real life honesty.

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