Laney,
When you went to stay in nursing care, I was really lonely. It was hard, but we knew it was the best decision. I could visit you often. But now I feel a loneliness I couldn’t fathom. My heart aches for you and I can find no relief. I long to see, talk and touch you. The sense of longing washes over me in waves. Our long life together was testament to our love.

My heart is broken, but I am so thankful the children and I could spend the final week by your side. I hope you had a sense of us there, heard all we said to you and how hard we tried to show our love for you and each other. I saw a poem recently and will paraphrase from Facebook, Words That Feel Like Home. I know it expresses your wishes as well as mine. Our children are our legacy, and this is our wish for them.

My love Eternally……….David

Mom,

My heart is broken without you here. I hope you know that we were all by your side, holding your hand when you were sick. I hope that you heard us telling you how much we loved you. I hope you knew that we were all together there, with you. I hope you could feel the deep love that we have for you.

I’m so grateful to have had you as my mom. I wouldn’t be the man I am without the love you gave me. You taught me to be kind, and to care for others, to treat them with respect. You taught me to be generous and giving, and to enjoy life. All of these things I learned from you, and you didn’t even have to try. I learned just by being like you, acting like you, living my life as you did yours. Most of my life is joyful, and it’s because you taught me the way to live, just by being yourself, effortless.

One of my fondest memories with you was when I was 6 or 7. I wanted to be a pilot when I grew up. We were driving somewhere, and I wanted to pretend we were pilots. I started pushing imaginary buttons in the car, and talking on an imaginary radio, steering the imaginary plane. You played right along with me, and pushed your own buttons and talked back to me on your own imaginary radio. We must have flown thousands of miles on that short car ride. I’ll never forget that, I will cherish that imaginary flight for the rest of my life. I don’t know if I ever told you how much that meant to me, or how often I’ve thought of it throughout my life. I with I had. I was your copilot for so long.

I’m going to miss you so much, more than these words can say. I’ll miss how it felt to hug you. I’ll miss how when you smiled at me, I could actually feel it inside, warm and loving. I’m devastated that you are gone, and that I won’t be able to talk to you or see you anymore, but you’ll always be in my heart just as you have always been.

I love you mom,

Evan

Dear Mom,

When I reflect on your life, what stands out most vividly isn't just a single memory from childhood; it is the impact you had on the world around you. You had a light that people gravitated toward, and knowing how deeply you touched their lives brings a sense of peace to my heart.

I know we didn't always see eye to eye, and I have to smile thinking about how much trouble I might have been. I want to gently apologize for any gray hairs I caused you during my teenage and young adult years! Navigating those times wasn't always easy for either of us, but the foundation you provided remains. Evan, Erin, and I share a history that began with you, and that enduring bond is something I hold on to dearly. I am grateful for the life you gave me and for the unique ways you shaped who I am today.

Seeing you through the eyes of those who loved you best—as Laney, as a loyal friend, and as a mother—has been a beautiful gift. We are all saying goodbye in our own ways, but the collective memory of who you were will live on in all of us.

Rest peacefully, Mom. I miss you. And please know you are remembered and loved.

Love always,

Mehgan

I have been so fortunate to have been loved and cared for by you throughout my life. You taught me how to move through difficult situations with courage and positivity. The most important lesson I learned from you is that I should always open my heart to others and give the most important thing possible….compassion. Compassion for those in need of anything I can give, so long as it comes from an honest, loving heart. I will always love you and am forever thankful that you were my mother. I love and will miss you always.