I have lost my oldest friend, my first teacher, and my most inspirational life model. My mother has died at 88.
One of my core beliefs is that the best way to preserve someone you love who has died in your heart is to do the things that person would have wanted to do. From this day forward I hope that, in addition to seeing, hearing, loving, and acting for myself, I will see with my mother’s eyes, hear with her ears, love with her heart, and act with her courage and joy.
It’s a tall order. She was and for me will always remain a great human being, one of the very best I have ever known.
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Dave,
I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother, who sounds like an exceptional woman. All the best to your and your family during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear this Dave.
I am sorry for your loss, and hope that you find comfort in remember someone who seems from all your writing to have been an extraordinary woman.
Sorry to hear about your loss Dave.
You also have my condolences, Dave.
I offer my deep condolences. It’s an especialy hard hit before the holidays. You’ll surely raise a toast to her memory with family and remember all the good and powerful things she has done.
Dave, so sorry to hear of your loss. It certainly sounds like her’s was a life to celebrate.
Our condolences. Will add you and family to prayers list.
Steve
As someone who has gone through this, there really are no profound words.
I would simply note that the well wishes of friends, neighbors, cyber-friends and family are assuredly genuine and hopefully provide some comfort.
My dear Dave,
I send the deepest sympathy I can imagine. The measure of a person is, in part at least, tallied by those that love them. I didn’t know your mother, but for a time, I knew you (albeit from a distance) and can say that if this woman taught you at her knee, she must have been a fine, fine person.
I mourn right along with you, friend.
D.
Dear Mr. Schuler,
I offer my most sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.
I did not know her but she must have been an exceptional woman to have raised such a thoughtful and astute son.
May your memories provide some solace in this time.
Sincerely,
Calvin Peterson
Dave Schuler, sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Losing my mother was the saddest day of my life.
As a 1st time reader via OTB, love your work here @ TGE, the Thomas Freidman take down was terrific…
My deep condolences, Dave. She must have been truly exceptional to raise such an insightful and fascinating son (even if we don’t always disagree). I hope you can take some comfort in that, as well as the fact that she lived a long life before passing on.
Please accept my sincere sympathy. Words mean so little when the ones you love are no longer. It’s wonderful you had such a relationship with your mother.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. Treasure the memories your mother has become.
May your knowledge of all that she brought to you soon outweigh the sorrow of her departure. I’m sorry to hear of your loss but glad to hear of her life.
When you are ready to start writing I’d love to hear your take on the Swiss minaret referendum.
I’m sorry for your loss – it is never easy. I lost my own father last year, and I think that your way of honoring her is exactly right. They live on through us.
Your words are a fine tribute to your mother, she would have been pleased, and given you a big hug and a kiss and would have said “I love you.”
Beth