I’ve tried to start this post a number of times, and it’s just been really difficult to find the right words.
Two weeks ago my mom passed away.
Many of you knew from my email that she had been in the hospital for a few weeks – she was taken in for a back fracture, and then it was discovered that she had survived some heart attacks in the past that left her heart damaged. We were hopeful that she would survive, but on the morning of April 29, her heart stopped and she went home to be with her Heavenly Father.
I really miss her. It’s still unreal to me. It feels like she should still be here – we spent so many days in the hospital hoping and praying that she would get stronger and live.
Since it’s Mother’s Day, I thought I’d tell you a few things about my mom, because she was amazing. In fact, I don’t think this website would be here if it wasn’t for her encouragement.
You see, when my first son was born, I was struggling with the idea of going back to work full-time. (I’m a violinist, and at that time, I was playing with a lot of different orchestras, and also teaching a full studio of private students). I loved being a mom, and was surprised at how little I wanted to be away from my baby.
My mom saw this, and suggested that we turn one of our hobbies, jewelry making, into a business. I wasn’t sure about this idea, but she really encouraged me, and we started an Etsy shop that we ran together. We even combined our names to create the name for our shop – Linkel Designs (Linda and Kelly). We sold our jewelry online as well as at local farmer’s markets and craft shows.
Because I had the Etsy shop, I decided to start this blog in 2009. At first it was a blog about everything – our jewelry designs, crafts, home decor, and recipes. As the number of food allergies and intolerances grew in my family, I focused on recipes. Once I zeroed in on allergy friendly recipes, this website grew and grew. My mom would always ask how my blog was doing and what recipes I was sharing.
She was the ultimate hostess, and a wonderful baker and cook. Everything I know about cooking, baking, and homemaking I learned from her.
Saying that she was a great hostess doesn’t really cover it. She would go over the top when she’d have a party or holiday. Just huge amounts of delicious food – appetizers, casseroles, desserts – and she made sure that everyone was included. If you had a special dietary need, it was covered.
She was known for her cooking – even at the funeral, people were reminiscing about her cabbage rolls and pierogis. Because I wasn’t about to miss out on her delicious recipes even after our dietary needs changed, I adapted several of my favorite recipes from her. Chocolate dessert pie, cream of potato soup (versions one and two), and sloppy joes are just a few favorites that made an appearance on my blog.
She even took her awesome hostess skills on the road. When I had solo recitals in college, she put on the most incredible receptions. She would transport everything to Kalamazoo or Cincinnati and make sure my friends and I had a good time celebrating after the recital. And not with prepackaged store-bought stuff, but fruit, vegetables, cheese, crackers, homemade brownies, cookies, cream puffs, pastry twists, and punch.
It’s so hard today to be without her. She was the best mom and the best grandma.
I’m heartbroken, but I’m also grateful. I’m grateful that God blessed me with a mom like her. She was creative, kind, funny, and supportive. I’m so thankful for all the wonderful times we had together.
She was the best.
I’m just now seeing this but have to say-I am so sorry for your loss and at this time especially. This was such a beautiful tribute. Holding you in love through this difficult time.
Thank you so much! <3
I am very sorry about your loss. There was so much love between you, that will never leave you. Take care.
Dear Kelly, my deepest sympathies on the passing of your dearest mumma. What an incredible person she was. From your description she sounds like the kind of person I aspire to be as a mum myself. There is no replacing a mum. My dearest mumma passed away 10 years ago and I still miss her every day. May you find comfort in cherished memories and the legacy of love and family she left behind. Please accept our sincere condolences.
With love and prayers, the Byrne family (dairy and wheat intolerances in Australia).
Heart felt prayers and peace to you . God bless
Please accept our family’s condolences on the loss of your mom. She sounds like she was such an incredible and strong woman, and a great friend.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds like an amazing woman!
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
And thankful to you and for your mom’s encouragement. I appreciate your blog.
Love & prayers ♡
Thank you, Connie!
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person.
Thank you, Shanna!
so sorry about your mom i will be praying for you
Thank you, Katherine!
I am truly sorry for your loss. I loved reading your great memories. Your mom would want you to continue to cherish them and share them with your children. She gave you great advice and nurtured your ideas and spirit.
I will pray for you to find ease with your pain and that each day you live your life like she is watching
Thank you, Theresa! Yes, I agree, we need to keep talking about our memories, especially as my sons are so young. I want them to remember her!
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. From your description, you had an amazing and loving mother. Will be praying for you and your family.
Thank you so much, Connie!
What a heartfelt post full of love. I’m sorry you are grieving but you didn’t lose her; she’s always with you. Bless you.
Thank you, Laura!
Oh Kelly, I opened my email this morning and just heard about your mom. I would have been praying for her. I’m so sorry to hear. I will pray for you and your family. Thank you for sharing about your mom in your blog. She sounds wonderful and I can tell she loved you and you will always be part of her and carry on her legacy. I’m new to your blog but you’ve helped me so much already with doing allergy friendly foods for my girls when they come home. I’m the one who made your carrot cake for my daughters b’day at Easter this year. I know this was hard to write with your feelings of loosing your mom so fresh, but I’m praying it also was healing. She would be so proud of you. Bless you today.
Thank you so much, Kathy, I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for being a reader and commenter. <3
I know the last thing you want to do is write for your blog, so thank you for sharing this sweet post about your mom. (((hug)))
Thank you, Jaye!
Kelly,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I felt I got a good picture of what you mean by best mother!
She was beautiful inside and out.
I enjoy reading your blogs so much, not only for food ideas and decorating but because of your strong
faith in Jesus.
I lost my mother 2 and a half years ago and she was my best friend and I miss her daily. Sometimes I cry to The
Lord..” I want my Mama”.
Knowing she is in Heaven Is my peace.
May God be with you and your family during this time and I will pray that In Jesus Name. Amen
I am so sorry for your loss, Vicki. Thank you so much for your prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss Kelly. It’s easy to see from all that you do online what an amazing woman you were raised by. Nonetheless, it’s wonderful to read such a sweet tribute.
Thank you for saying that, Alisa, I appreciate that! <3
Still lifting you and your family in my prayers. XOXOXO
Thank you so much, Beth! I appreciate you!
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom is a great
Hope you recover soon.
Thank you, Kathy!
So sorry for your loss Kelly. I pray for you and your family to have peace in knowing that your loyal and loving mother is rejoicing in heavenly bliss, clothed in a robe of righteousness and beaming in the presence of God’s glory. What a blessing she has been.
Thank you, Jen! I know she is rejoicing in heaven. That is a comfort. :)
Love and Thoughts are with You and Your Family.
Thank you, Barbara!
Love and Thoughts are with You and Your Family.
I’m so sorry for your loss Kelly. This is a beautiful tribute to your mom. She will live on in you, in your heart and in your soul for as long as you live.
Thank you, Laura!
Beautiful words about your wonderful mother. Her biggest blessing was her love for you and her family. Mother’s Day will always be tough. I always make a point to remember my mom wilth good thoughts especially on special days. The hospital memories will creep in but push them aside as you can and remember the laughs and love. Although it’s ok to cry too. One of my favorite things I did was to buy a flowering tree that blooms in the spring as she died in April 1, 2008. Now every year when it blooms along with the tulips, hyacinth and daffodils below it, I think of her.l with a smile and thank her for helping my beautiful flowers bloom. Thinking of you.
Thank you so much for your note, Bev. I love the idea of a flowering tree, I’m going to do that. I’m so sorry for your loss, too. And you’re right, it is the hospital memories that start to creep in and cause pain…especially at night. Talking about the good times helps a lot.
I’m so sorry Kelly. It’s very very hard. I lost my beautiful Mom 10 months ago after a breif illness-I know how shocking and surreal it feels. No one and nothing can replace the connection and love between a mother and daughter. You obviously have alot of your Mom in you and that’s wonderful. All you can do is get through each day as best you can. Some days will be good and some will be sad. This is normal. In time the loss will become slightly easier to bear. That’s where I’m at. I’m thinking of you. ?
Thank you so much for your empathy, Bridget. I am so sorry for your loss as well. It is a special bond between a mother and daughter. <3
So sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing person
Thank you, Nicole!
I´m so sorry for your loss. Her love will be with you forever.
Thank you, Carmen!
Your mother was an incredible lady! Her legacy shines through your beautiful expressions about her. Please accept my condolences.
Thank you so much, Jeanna!
So Sorry for your loss
Thank you, Donna!
Kelly,
I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost my dad on April 15th he had end stage heart failure. I was his little girl and the son he never had . he was my dive partner and not just my dad but my friend. We were blessed to have such great parents. Nothing will fill the loss we feel for them only time makes it less painful. You are in my prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jodi. It’s so hard. I will be praying for you, too!
I am so sorry about your mother. Sounds like she was a very special lady who raised a very special daughter.
Thank you so much, Elena!
Sorry to hear about your mom passing. I trust this will be a blessing to you (written by my mom!). Patti
Today’s a new beginning for your mom on heaven’s shore,
Where she’s sitting at the Saviour’s feet complete forever more.
Her voice has joined the multitude of saints around the throne.
Singing praises to the Father, Who has safely brought them home
This day will never end for her; there’s no darkness and no night.
For Jesus Christ her Saviour is the Everlasting Light.
She’ll never feel another pain, nor shed another tear.
Satan cannot tempt her there; and she’ll never doubt or fear.
Her home is now a mansion fair, prepared by Jesus’ hand.
Where she’ll meet you when you join her in heaven’s glory land.
Today is a new beginning for you here on this earth.
You know the Saviour loves you and what salvation’s worth.
The next few days and weeks and months will sad and lonely seem;
And you will often think about the things that might been.
But every moment you will be in the shelter of God’s wing
Who will lovingly remind you not to worry ‘bout a thing.
For not only will He heal your heart but He’ll fill the lonely days
With a peace, joy and contentment wrought by His all-knowing ways.
Your life and testimony will draw others to the Lord
As you witness Christ as Saviour thru your life and thru your word.
©Mary Yingling
That is so beautiful, and a great help. Thank you for sharing that, Patti!
She sounds wonderful. What a blessing to have had such a loving mother.
Thank you, Zrinka, she was a blessing.
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing person.
She really was. Thank you so much, Melinda!
I’m so sorry for your loss- it sounds like you had a wonderful and special relationship with your mom. I lost my mom 6 months ago- it’s hard, and you’ll get through it, too ❤️
Thank you, Shelley, I’m so sorry for your loss, too!