Her Presence Is Always Near.  / Janice (Daughter)
I was reading through a book of poems I had given Mom several years ago and found this poem by Ruth Ann Mahaffey. I thought it very fitting.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.  
Close

A star shines bright in the sky  / Janice Parsons (daughter)
One year ago today, we lost you. Like Colleen, I too, can remember every detail of that very long day and all that led up to the time of your passing. Though it has been a year filled with grief (sometimes immeasurable), there have been sprinkles of good times. But we are all still trying to heal, and things have not been the same without you and probably never will be. The thought of this Christmas without you is painful but my spirits are lifted knowing that you are safely tucked beneath an angel's wing and are no longer in pain. Whenever I see a bright star in the night sky I know it's you keeping a watchful eye on all of us, just as you always did in life. I will always miss that worrying and concern you had for us, as well as your unconditional love and commitment to your family. I deeply cherish the memories I have of you and will forever hold them close in my heart. Merry Christmas, Mom. I love you. Close

WHY DO I FEEL SO ALONE?  / KAREN WALKER (DAUGHTER)
WHY DO I FEEL SO ALONE? I KNOW YOU CANT COME HOME. WHY DO I FEEL SO EMPTY INSIDE. ALL I DO IS CRY. ANYTIME I NEVER KNOW WHEN OR WHY. IBREAKDOWN AND CANT BELIEVE YOUR NOT HERE. I WISH YOU COULD SHOW ME THAT YOUR NEAR.` I CANT LAUGH OR TALK ABOUT THE WAY IT USED TO BE, I HURTS TO BAD AND AT THIS TIME. I DONT WANT TO SEE. I DONT WANT IT IT BE .I NEED TO FEELYOU AROUND, SO IT WILL COMFORT ME ME. BUT IKNOW YOU CANT. IT JUST CANT BE.,I FEEL ALL ALONE. I WISH YOUD COME HOMEY LOVE MOM PS ITS NOT GETTING ANY BETTER I THINK OF YOU ALL THE TIME. I MISS YOU MORE AND MORE EACH DAY . BYE Close

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY / Janice Parsons (Daughter)

You endured every illness, every grief, every anxiety suffered by your children-often poweless to help. Only able to wait, to love. Thank you. That love is what I hold on to.

Thank you for fitting your life to ours. Thank you for making us feel that nothing you have achieved is worth more than our love. Thank you for making us feel wanted, precious, irreplaceable. Thank you for being you. 

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. You are deeply missed and will always be held close in our hearts.

Close

Birthday message of thanks  / Janice Parsons (Daughter)

Thank you for having been at the very heart of the family, holding us together, keeping our concerns and affection for one another alive and strong, reminding us of birthdays, tipping us to one another's needs. Not always interfering-but always being there for every one of us.
Whether we needed the name of a good restaraunt, your recipe for bread pudding, advice on the removal of carpet stains, or the date of the first landing on the moon, whether we were happy, or in floods of tears, whether we had sensational news or spots, whether we needed a hug or the number of a reliable handyman. Or simply the answer to 5 across.  

Thank you for all you did for us throughout your life. We love and miss you. Happy Birthday, Mom!

Close

Happy Easter....Wish you were here  / Janice Parsons (Daughter)
3-26-05

Mom-
today has been very very trying. I know you are watching from above, and know exactly what I am talking about. The one thing you prayed would not happen in this family, has, and I am truely sorry. I pray to God every night for the strength and wisdom I need to make the decisions I have to make. This entire week as been difficult for me and I know it is because another celebration is coming and you aren't here.  I miss you terribly and Easter will not be the same without you. I want you to know how comforted I am by the scent of roses in my room in the morning, I know it's you letting me know you're there. And I hope that connection never ends. Please continue to watch over this family and help to bring the peace & unity that we so desperately need right now. Happy Easter, Mom. We wish you were here with us, but I know Heaven is having quite a celebration and you are right in the middle of it! Love always-Janice  Close

I'll never forget you / Carolyn Walker (Grandaughter)

You have left me with many memories
I miss you everyday
Sometimes I think of you
Not more than today
You'll never be forgotten 
In my heart you are there to stay
I wish i could talk to you
Where ever you may lay
But that would take a miricale
Each day I have to ask why
And why I couldn't say goodbye
I miss you so much
I can't do it on my own
I think of you constantly
And I know you are not alone
I'll think of you  everyday
       love you always and forever
                                     Carolyn

Close

How much i love you  / Becky Walker (Grand daughter)
Grandma you were great u cared so much about others and me and my sisters. When my mom went to the hospital u took care of us .Unlike other people u always put people first. U were the best grandma ever .I know u will be watching over me and guide me in the right place. i love u so so so so much.














































Close

Thoughts / Janice Parsons (Daughter)
Mom, it seems a lifetime since you've been gone. I can't believe it will be three months in a few days. My heart still hurts and the tears still flow at unexpected times. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think of you and wish you were here to share in our everyday triumphs, tears and laughter. I know you are with us in spirit as I feel your presence all around me, keeping a watchful eye on all of us. You are dearly loved and deeply missed. I will see you again someday on the other side, but until then rest peacefully and happily in the Presence of the Lord. Love you. Close

I miss mom.  / Janice Parsons (Daughter)

Words cannot express the emptiness in my heart mom's passing has left. I miss our conversations, her laughter, our endless shopping trips for "nothing in particular". But her geniune love, generosity and selflessness will be missed the most. I especially miss her voice, which she lost one week prior to her death. I wish I could hear her say one more time "have a good day" as I walk out the door in the morning. What I would give to have just a smidgen of her strength right now to help me through the pain I am feeling. I know she is in a better place and is no longer suffering, but I wanted her to live forever (and believed she would). She was the best mom anyone could have hoped for as well as my best friend and I miss her terribly. I will forever hold her near and dear to my heart. I love you mom!

Close

Poems of Remembrance  / Janice Parsons (Daughter)
If tears could build a stairway
and memories a lane,
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home again.


Your life was a blessing
your memory a treasure
You are loved beyond words
and missed beyond measure.

Close

things i always wanted to say.  / Karen Walker (daughter)
Mom I miss you so much more these days. All I can do is is think of the things I always wanted to say.How much I love you and your unselfish ways, you cared  for all you never ever took a fall .We butted heads more than most, but even then, I have to have to boast, your the best. Way above the rest. I wanted to be there, its not fair you past so quick and I wasn't there. I hurt so much, I feel like I let you down. So I ask God to hug u and let you know I love you very much, you helped me grow. I miss you so much, I hope you know you the were best there could ever be. Please take care and watch over me. I 'll think of you and how it used to be. I'll cry awhile and then I'll try to be ok. You did good things while raising me I'll miss you most. And I wanted to say,watch over us all and we'll be ok. Your loving daughter, Karen
Close

my mom's greatest gifts / Colleen Mroczek (daughter)

I will miss everything about Mom.  I miss our phone calls and inviting myself to dinner.  She was so involved in every part of my life. Good or bad she was always there.  Mom was there for every phase of my children's life.  Whether I chose to take her advise or not she always managed to reassure me I was doing the best I could.  Never wanting me to feel disappointed or guilty in any decision I had made.    She was there for every story I could tell her of her grandchildren and remembered them all to tell her co-workers and friends.  I feel lost without her. She has taught me to be strong, independent, hard working and happy.  Amazingly, all this was learned through just being with her.  I miss her cheerful voice, her laugh and most of all her devotion to her children. I loved the way she made me feel like a child again when she would introduce me as "her baby".   She was the most giving person I have ever known. Some of us thought to a fault at times, but she told me once she had no regrets giving because she enjoyed doing so.  I will love and miss her always. 

Close

She will never really be gone  / Diana Pardee (Granddaughter)
I miss my grandmother but I have recently come to realize that parts of her will always be here. My mother, Linda, inherited her incredible strength, Karen inherited her good looks, Colleen has her determination, Janice has her independence, and I (according to my family) inherited her stubbornness. Because I have my family I know that she will never really be gone. Close

God Saw  / Janice Parsons (daughter)

God saw that she was getting tired; a cure was not to be
He put His arm around her and whispered, "Come with me."

Through tearful eyes
We watched her suffer,
And saw her fade away,
Although we loved her dearly,
We could not make her stay.

A golden heart stopped beating;
Hard working hands laid to rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

(Many thanks to Vickie Jaquez for the above poem).

Close