It is with a heavy heart today that I write of the passing of my mother on April 4th. She fought a brave fight, and although her spirit was strong, her body became weak after multiple surgeries and complications during her month-long stay at both the hospital and a rehabilitation center. Mom passed away while I was en route from the Erma Bombeck Writers Convention in Dayton, Ohio. Ironically, the tickets for the convention were a bittersweet, final gift from my mother, who always had faith in my writing and encouraged me to attend the event. She was my #1 fan and went to great lengths to support my career.
She always pushed me forward when I felt I couldn't take another step. As much as I wish I could stop all the clocks, I know I need to keep pushing forward. It's what she would have wanted. She enjoyed my quirky sense of humor, and nothing made me happier than to hear her laughter when she read something that I'd written. From this point on, the words I write will always be a loving tribute to my mother.
It's the best way to honor the woman I have admired all my life.
My family will miss my mother's radiant smile, her easy laughter, her courage and enduring strength, and her warm embrace. She was the sun and the moon to us all, and we will love her forever.
***A memorial service and celebration of Fay Kester's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach, 2331 NE 26 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060 (954)941-2308 on Monday, April 11 at 4:30pm.
***For more info, please read her obituary here and feel free to leave a message on her guestbook page if you'd like. Thanks!
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Marion-Kester&lc=7098&pid=179521879&mid=6875677
Awe Marcia, I am so sorry for your loss... your mom sounds wonderful and I am sure she is not in pain any longer. I like hearing how she supported you in all that you did, you are very talented and she could see this as do many others. I am sending prayers and good wishes to you and your family that you will be able to deal with the loss of your mother...xox... much love and hugs xox
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words, my friend. XO
DeleteSending you warm thought, Marcia. She sounds like a wonderful woman and mother, which is such an incredible blessing. Hugs to your whole family!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Seanna!
DeleteKeep those thought in your mind- your mom will never leave you that way, marcia.
ReplyDeleteI'll always hold her close in my heart.
DeleteMy condolences on the loss of your beloved mother. She sounds like a wonderful mother and her spirit will always linger in your writing. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI love that---thanks, Stephen.
DeleteHer spirit lives on in you and everyone who loved her. Peace.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to think that. Thank you.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss and so moved by your love for her and your wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing your blessing with me. I am touched by your heart and hers. I believe as you continue, you will always hear her heart and laughter because they are in your heart forever.
ReplyDeleteOh that's so beautiful---thank you for sharing it! XO
DeleteMarcia, My heart hurts for you on the loss of your beautiful mother. She obviously adored you and believed in you. You're in my morning prayers for healing through this difficult time. Sending love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers, Vikki. I so enjoyed meeting you last week at ERMA. You are a very special woman.
DeleteSo very sorry for your loss Marcia. Thinking of you and your family. As you so eloquently write, your mom was clearly very proud of you and your voice. Wishing you strength and peace x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Rachel.
DeleteSO sorry for your loss!!! Your beautiful post made me tear up. I'm so glad for the loving relationship you had with her and the support I know you will still feel in spirit. Love and peace and comfort to you! ~Jeanine
ReplyDeleteI think she will alway be there while I'm writing---the Muse on my shoulder, as they say.
DeleteMarcia, I am so very sorry that you lost someone so precious to you. What a blessing to have a mother who believed in you and encouraged you to pursue your passion. She sounds like a remarkable woman.
ReplyDeleteShe truly was. I was so blessed to have her as my mother.
DeleteMarcia, I am so so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I started crying because I know of such loss. Your words will be a wonderful tribute to her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you went through this, too. Sensding you big hugs today.
DeleteSo sorry for your loss Marcia. The pugs send you two big hugs. xxoo
ReplyDeleteI always love a good pug hug :)
Delete----OOO, my heart aches.
ReplyDeleteWhat a deep, profound loss for you, dearest Marcia.
Can you feel my hug from Duluth?
PS. I wonder if she's met Kay yet? xxx
I DO feel your hugs and that means the world to me. And I love the thought of Mom and Kay meeting up in heaven!
DeleteThere is nothing better than having a mother who believes not only in your choice to be a mother or to follow a profession--but to CREATE. Because that's what we writers do. You were blessed in her belief and I am sure you will continue to be. Beth
ReplyDeleteShe stood by me through every rejection letter I received and told me to never give up. I probably would have given up a long time ago had it not been for her encouragement.
DeleteMy condolences to you and your family, Marcia. What a difficult loss. You mother sounds like she was an amazing woman and role model for you. May she Rest In Peace. xoxo Hugs.
ReplyDeleteYes, she was a wonderful role model and will be greatly missed. Thank you, Lisa <3
DeleteA fitting tribute to the lady who brought you into this world. Clearly, her spirit and energy will live on inside you. Look after yourself. Love from the UK
ReplyDeleteXxx
So sweet of you to say----thank you!
DeleteI'm so sorry, Marcia. I know she will live on through your actions and your words.
ReplyDeleteA lovely thought---thank you!
DeleteI just want to give you a huge hug. I'm so sorry you lost your mom, but I'm so glad you know she would want you to keep writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa. I really enjoyed meeting you at EBWW two weeks ago!
DeleteI'm sorry to hear that you lost your mother. It's also great that you had such support from her. Take care of you.
ReplyDeleteShe was terrific. Thank you!
DeleteThank you for sharing this with us at a time when it is not easy to do so. What a wonderful compliment to her when you stated that everything you write from here forward will be a tribute to her. My mom has been gone for 50 years and I can assure you that your mom will live forever in your heart.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that. Thank you.
DeleteOh I'm so sorry for your loss it is a devastating time for you and your family. I lost my Mum 29 years ago and the pain does ease but not the memories. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that you lost your Mum, too. HUGS!
DeleteOne is never ready to lose their mother. My condolences dear friend. Cherish the good times, they'll keep you smiling.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Paul.
DeleteMy sincere condolences Marcia to you and your family. I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss. I think it's one of the toughest things we have to face in life, to lose a parent, and find it takes immense courage to write about it, like you did. I'm sending you my love and my prayers. God bless you! xx Abby
ReplyDeleteThank you for the love and support, Abby!
DeleteWhat a gift you had in your loving mother, I am so sorry for your loss, Marcia. Take good care of yourself in the months to come, how wonderful that your mothers support will continue to shine through your writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Elin!
DeleteI am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. It sounds like you had a wonderful relationship. This was such a beautiful tribute to her. What a wonderful inspiration she has been, and will continue to be, to you.
ReplyDeleteI'll miss her so much. Thank you for you kindness!
DeleteMarcia, there are no words at times such as these except to say, my thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteThose who touch our hearts live in them always.
Big hugs.
Thank you, Donna!
DeleteIt's always sad to read about the lost of a loved one, especially a mother - my thoughts and prayers of condolence go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I admire the relationship you had with your mom. She will always be with you and forever in your heart!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail!
DeleteI also know it's still sad when we lose them. Not a tragedy, but still so sad. Condolences
ReplyDeleteEven though we know it coming, it's still hard to accept, that's for sure.
DeleteMarcia, so very sorry that you lost your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you. How wonderful that you can dedicate your words to her and honor her in that way.
ReplyDeleteI hope to always make her proud.
DeleteOh Marcia, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I just realized reading this that you are at her service. I wish there was a way to ease the pain you are going through. I'm here if you need me.
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet, Rena. Thank you. I just might take you up on that!
DeleteShe was beautiful and you are just as beautiful. I'm so sorry to hear about her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Teri!
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Wish I'm there to hold your hand.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Thank you so much, Lux!
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your mom, Marcia. She must have been so proud of you and all you've accomplished in your writing career.
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope so, Linda. I always tried to make her proud of me.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss Marcia. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I will be thinking of you. May your beautiful mom rest in peace.
ReplyDelete