Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Goodbye to a Phenomenal Woman


Yesterday, my family lost a woman who was like a Mom to me for many years.  She fought a brave battle against cancer and is now finally at peace.  Her daughter, Ashley, and I were best buds for years (in fact, Ashley and I set up my sister and her brother, who eventually married and have three beautiful children).

She passed away much too young.

She was one of the classiest, kindest, most loving and well-respected women.

She had the most sincere and infectious laugh.

She loved unconditionally.

She had the most genuine smile.

She was there for so many pivotal moments in my life.

She was a true Matriarch of a wonderful family, which includes four awesome children, two beautiful daughters-in-law and nine dynamic grandkids.

She was a fabulous cook who loved to entertain ... her 7-layer dip becoming my favorite appetizer to serve.

She loved to hear Ashley and I recall our crazy high school and college adventures.

She loved the holidays and would decorate their stunning home to the nines!

She was always dressed beautfully.  In fact, in the 25+ years I've known her, I don't think I ever saw her in a t-shirt or without makeup! 

She wore her gorgeous "baubles" all the time, even when sitting on the beach, covered in sand.

She and her husband were married over 40 years and did almost EVERYthing together.

She loved their trips to Pigeon Forge in the Fall.

She loved to have movie nights at home with her husband and whoever wanted to join them.

She always offered sound and comforting advice when listening to my "young love" drama.

She made their kitchen table a favorite spot for anyone to sit and chat for hours.

She nurtured an incredible mother/daughter bond with Ashley ... they were best friends.

She should still be here.

*   *   *

Please, if you don't mind, say a prayer for the Farleigh family, who is going to need support starting this next chapter in their lives without their wife, mother, grandmom, mentor and best friend. 


I love you, Mrs. Farleigh ... you will be sorely missed, but forever in our hearts.

Becca

30 comments:

  1. Oh, Becca, I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to her was so eloquently written and she sounds like she had a wonderful spirit. I will keep the Farleigh family in my thoughts prayers. What a beautiful family,too!! Big ((Hugs)) for you, again, I a so sorry. XOXO ~LIZ

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  2. Oh so sorry Becca you have lost a loved one. She sounded like an incredible woman. My thoughts and prayers to all.

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  3. Becca- What a loss for everyone! God bless that family as they go through this adjusment in their lives...and God bless you, too, for I think you are part of their large, extended family, and you will miss her too.

    The bright light in the whole situation is that at least you HAD HER IN YOUR LIFE for as long as you did..and look at all the life lessons you learned from her.

    RIP Mrs.Farleigh-your job on Earth is done- Hugs-Diana

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  4. Becca, so so sorry for your loss. Seems you and I have lost loved ones this week. Thanks so much for your sweet comment and I will certainly be praying for you and her family and loved ones.

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  5. I am so sorry for your loss Becca, you wrote a beautiful tribute to her! Know she is at peace now but the wonderful memories you created thought the years with her will always be with you! Sending prayers your way, Martina

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  6. Becca, I am sorry for your loss. Thank God you had her in your life and can mentor and pass on her values to your own family and lives you touch. We had 3 very close losses all in a row this year so I know you will be sad but thankful for her life and gifts. I will remember you in my prayers, Love Emelia.

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  7. I am so sorry to hear that you have lost someone so near and dear to your heart. You brought tears to my eyes just hearing how wonderful of a person she was and how much she meant to you. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you a big {{HUG}} for your broken heart.

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  8. This is so sad. I'm sorry to hear it. Cancer is such a horrible disease. In Feb, I lost my Aunt to a horrible fight with ovarian cancer. At least they aren't in pain any more. Take care of yourself.

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  9. It's bittersweet...we hurt so much when someone leaves us. But love goes on forever and that is a special blessing.

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Farleigh family and all who love them.

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  10. Becca,I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to her is beautiful.
    She is resting in peace now.
    God bless you all during this difficult time.
    hugs~ L

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  11. Becca-
    My heart goes out to you and to the Farleigh family. I'm so sorry for Ashley's loss and for yours as well. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you all.

    XOXO!
    - Beth

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  12. Sincere condolences to you and Ashley's family. You have written lovely, sincere words about your second Mom, it sounds like she was certainlty a wonderful, caring lady.

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  13. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you & the Farleigh family.

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  14. What a wonderful legacy this wonderful woman leaves. Obviously she has touched many. I will pray for the Farleigh's and for you as you adjust to her absence and begin a new "normal". Death is so hard for the ones left behind.
    (((HUGS)))

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  15. I'm so sorry for your loss...to lose a good friend is just as bad as losing family.
    You gave her such a nice tribute.
    I HATE CANCER.
    xo bj

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  16. Becca,

    I am keeping all of you in my prayers. Losing someone you love is very difficult. Only God and faith can help us through.

    Please know that, though I may not know what to say, I do know how you feel---I have lost those I love, too. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.

    In Grace,
    Marie

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  17. Oh, my friend! I am so sorry for this incredible loss and will be praying for her family and for you too. :-) The way you described her was so beautiful and loving and I hope her daughter gets a chance to read it at some point.
    Hugs to you friend,
    Vanessa

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  18. Oh, Becca, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet friend. She sounds like she was an amazing lady! What a wonderful tribute to her.
    I will say a prayer for the Farleigh family and for you too.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  19. Sending out lots of prayers and love for this family.

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  20. So sorry for your loss. It's obvious by your heartwarming post she was a wonderful lady.

    My condolences,
    Carla

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  21. I am so sorry to hear about your great loss. She sounds like a truly amazing woman and such a special friend. I will keep all the family in prayer. I know this is a very hard time for them and for you. God Bless. Hugs, Marty

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  22. Becca, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. Your tribute to her was beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Farleigh family.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  23. I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Thank you for sharing this post. She sounded like a precious person!

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  24. So sorry to hear you lost an incredible woman in your life. I will keep her family and yours in my prayers. :)

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  25. Oh Becca, your words are so profoundly beautiful and will be such a blessing to the Farleigh family during this time. I know you are sad and pray for your heart to heal. Prayers and thoughts to the family and to those who loved her so.

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  26. My thoughts and prayers are with you and The Farleigh family. What a wonderful lady, and I know you're thankful for the time you had with her. I am so sorry,
    Debbie

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  27. A incredibly moving tribute to your dear friend and "other" mother, Becca. I wish I could have known her...I think we had much in common. My heartfelt prayers go out to you, your family and her's. I can only imagine the huge transition they will be experiencing.

    xoxo
    Pat
    P.S. I have a wonderful giveaway going on if you feel like stopping by.

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  28. Beautiful post. I am sorry for your loss. She would love to see such wonderful words written.

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  29. Beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. Wish I could've known her! Praying for you and your family!

    Be Blessed!

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  30. Emelia ... thank you so very much for your thoughtful note, which I sincerely appreciate. And, I am so sorry for your losses as well ... your family is in my prayers.

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I appreciate your comments!