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.
Emma
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.
Kelly Roenicke
Thank you so much! <3
Marrigje
I am very sorry about your loss. There was so much love between you, that will never leave you. Take care.
Vanessa
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).
Keriann
Heart felt prayers and peace to you . God bless
Nicki
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.
Trisha
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds like an amazing woman!
Connie Brown
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
And thankful to you and for your mom’s encouragement. I appreciate your blog.
Love & prayers ♡
Kelly Roenicke
Thank you, Connie!
Shanna
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person.
Kelly Roenicke
Thank you, Shanna!
katherine
so sorry about your mom i will be praying for you
Kelly Roenicke
Thank you, Katherine!
Theresa McPherson
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
Kelly Roenicke
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!
connie
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.
Kelly Roenicke
Thank you so much, Connie!
Laura
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.
Kelly Roenicke
Thank you, Laura!
Kathy
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.
Kelly Roenicke
Thank you so much, Kathy, I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for being a reader and commenter. <3
Jaye
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)))
Kelly Roenicke
Thank you, Jaye!