Saturday, January 22, 2011

In an Instant, Everything Changed...

It's been four days, and I finally have the strength to tell you all this.

On Tuesday, January 18th, at 1:20 pm, my beloved mother (Patricia Thompson-Yates) was killed in a car crash. She had just been to the neighborhood post office, less than a mile away from her home, when someone ran a red light and hit her.

To say I am devastated doesn't even cover it. My mom was there for me my entire life, through thick and thin. She was a wonderful woman who loved everyone. She was just getting her life back together after the death of my stepdad in April, and was really looking forward to this year. She had made new friends, she was busy socially and looking forward to taking some college classes. This is a picture of mom with my hubby Michael, taken at Christmastime...

I am in California now with Michael and my sister Renee, making arrangements for her memorial service, and everything that comes after. When I get home, I will post a more appropriate tribute to her, but for now, any prayers you can send our way would be much appreciated.

with much love,
Michelle

96 comments:

Nathalie Kalbach said...

Oh Michelle, I'm so sorry to read this. I'm so sorry for your loss! Huge hugs my sweet friend- I'm thinking of you and wish you lot's of strength to go through this time!Love!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Michelle....I still can not even express to you how much this saddens me for you... love to you my sweet friend.....

Lori W said...

Michelle, I am so sorry to hear this. I am praying for you! Love and hugs!
Lori

Candy Bryant said...

I have been thinking of you for days. Now I know why. I am so sorry about your Mom, Michelle. Fondest Aloha.

Kimmieprout said...

Oh Michelle, i'm sooooooo sorry for your loss! i'm thinking of you!
kim
xx

caroline hancock / Scrappercaz said...

Oh Michelle, this is just terrible, i will most certainly keep you and yours in my thoughts, sending you huge hugs :)

McMGrad89 said...

Michelle, nothing can prepare you for something like this. I am so sorry she was taken from you this way. Fortunately, you have your sister and Michael to help you through this time. The only thing I can say, is let people help you through this. It is the only way. Stay strong.
Annemarie

chris a said...

Michelle,
I am so saddened for you and your family, and have been thinking of and praying for you since I first read about this.
Always,
Chris

Glue Meets Paper said...

How awful, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. Thinking of you and hoping things get easier, day by day

RachelG said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

kate blue said...

oh, it's just devastating to read news like this....prayers and strength being sent from a cyber friend. I know it's hard being brave right now.

Bekka said...

Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Lara said...

Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what you are going through right now, but from the way you write about Michael, I know you have wonderful support. Take care, and know that we are all thinking of you.

Marit said...

Michelle & Michael, Renee and the rest of the family... I don't know what to say. Sending much love your way. I'm thinking of you!

Lena said...

Ooooh... Michelle, what a terrible news!! I'm speechless...
Thinking of you, Michael, Renee and the rest of the family.
XOXO

Thinkie said...

Oh Michelle, how horrible, I'm so sorry! my condolences.

Anonymous said...

Michelle I am so so sorry for your loss. If memory serves correctly based on a prior vacation you took, your mom lived not far from where I am now. I will check the papers for any info on this and save them for you. Godspeed to your beautiful mom.

Jessica said...

Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss!! I will definitely be sending my prayers up for you and your family through this tough time.

Melissa said...

Miss Michelle,
i am so sorry for your lost. you and your family will be in our prayers. we will pray for your strenght to help you get through this tough times. God Bless and take care of yourself.

hugs and so much love,
isay

jacque4u2c said...

You are in my thoughts - I am so sorry!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss Michelle, don't have anything comforting to say other than that I'm thinking of you and your family and I wish you all the strenght you need!
Big hugs for you!!

anne g-i said...

been thinking about you! this is a terrific, fun LO. what a great memory you captured - I can see the resemblence between you and your mom. i'm glad Michael was able to be there with you. what a crazy, unpredictable world we live in. i know you are someone who remembers to treasure and document the everyday events as well as the "special" moments. who knows when the everyday will suddenly becomes the special. take care...

Jess said...

I am so so sorry....I will pray for you all.

Cynthia said...

Michelle, I am so sorry. Such a irreplaceable loss, my prayers are coming your way ten folds.

Diane said...

So, so sorry to hear this sad news. Praying for you now.
:D

mborrero said...

Remember to breathe and laugh again at the good memories.. that helped me when my Dad passed. Feel better.

living, creating, and appreciating
~my blog

Angi Barrs said...

Sending hugs and prayers your way Michelle. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Hanneke said...

I am so sorry for your loss, there are no words that can cover the grief! I lost my mom almost 10 years ago and it is the sadest thing I had to go through in my life so far.I wish you all the strength you need.
Hugs, Hanneke

Deb said...

Oh dear, Michelle! There are no words. My own dear mother was killed unexpectedly in an automobile accident 18 years ago, so I can relate to some degree (she was just 58). My heart, prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this most tender time. You may not believe this now, but you WILL survive even this--you'll never get over it, but you will find joy in life again, I promise! May you find strength and peace for the journey.

Jenneke said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Michelle.
Thinking about you..

XXXJenneke

erinrwillis said...

Oh, Michelle. I'm so, so sorry.
You never expect to get a call like that.

I will definitely be praying for you.

Wendy said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Michelle! xx

Georgia Visacri said...

Michelle, I'm very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

Oh Michelle, I haven't been across to visit you for some time...and was so saddened to read your post...take care sweetie, lean on your hubby...pick up a pen and rage and scream against the world in your journal...in retrospect that helped me....hugs across the miles Janet in Australia

Marie L said...

There are just no words to say how sorry I am for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Hugs.

li-bee-ti said...

I'm so sorry for to read about your so terrible loss.
You and your feamily will be in my thoughs.

Kelly Massman said...

This is the first time I've come to your blog--found about you from Julie TW. So sorry for your loss!

Lexi said...

Oh my goodness. So saddened to hear this. I am praying for you and your family...

Debbie said...

I am deeply sorry for your loss. =(

Betsy said...

Oh Michelle! I'm so very very sorry. I can't imagine your heartache. I will be saying prayers for you and your family as you deal with this. I will especially pray that God wraps his arms around you and gives you a peace that passes understanding.

Erin M said...

Michelle, prayers are being said for your family. I can't even imagine how you are feeling right now. Wishing you peace as you continue on this hard journey.

Kimberly said...

I am so very sorry for your tragic and sudden loss of your Mom...sending you all my prayers and loves through this time! (((hugs)))
Words can't quite express how heavy my heart is for you at this time...please know how loved you are and covered with prayer.
Blessings,
Kimberly

Emily Pitts said...

coming with sadness to post this. i'm so sorry for your sudden loss, i'll pray for your peace and comfort as you face this.

joanne (spagirl) said...

oh michelle...
my heart aches for you.
can't even imagine...
sending you and your family heartfelt prayers
for some peace and comfort.

Anonymous said...

i am so sorry for your loss, michelle. my heart and prayers go out to you.

Gracie said...

Dear Michelle,
I am so sorry.sending hugs and love. Please take care.

michele said...

such heartbreaking news. i am so, so sorry michelle. you and your family are in my thoughts & prayers.

Amy said...

Michelle I am so sorry. Words can not express how sorry. If there is anything that any of us can do, please don't hesitate to ask. *HUGS*

Meghann Andrew said...

Praying for you and your family. So sorry for your loss. *hugs*

Noel said...

Oh Michelle...I am so so sorry! We are all thinking of you.

KarenP(kphike) said...

Michelle my heart breaks for you and your family. You and your beautiful Mom are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tonya said...

Michelle, I am so sorry for the loss that you have suffered. Hugs to you.

leah said...

Oh, no! Hugs and prayers. There aren't any words to even address how you must be feeling! :(

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, please know that there are so many people thinking about you right now and hoping beyond hope that maybe one day things will get better for you. lots of love.

angie gutshall said...

I'm so heartbroken for you. My prayers go out to you and your family!! HUGS!!

lisa dickinson said...

sending hugs your way michelle! thinking of you and your family!

*reyanna* said...

OH, Michelle! I'm SOOOO sad for you! I can't even imagine what you're going through, and I so wish that I could give you a big hug. You will be in my thoughts and prayers daily. We're all here for you, Lovely! We love you!!!

amytangerine said...

oh michelle, my heart just aches for you. sending you and your family huge hugs.

Jenn K said...

I am so very sorry for this loss. My heart and thoughts are with you! ((Big hugs))

Elisa said...

I am so so sorry, Michelle, thinking of you and your family. (came here from the SC forum).

Davinie Fiero said...

Lifting you up, sweet lady. I am so sorry for your loss.

cornellgj said...

Michelle - I am so, so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and you and your family are in my prayers. I pray that you will be comforted in your memories and time together. I cannot even imagine what you must be feeling. Hugs, girl!

Tina said...

I am so deeply sorry Michelle. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Rowie said...

michelle, i am so sorry to hear about your mum, sending you and your family big hugs and prayers. lots of love xx rosalie

Marti said...

Michelle- I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Valerie Bishop said...

So so sorry to hear of your loss....sending hugs and prayers to you and your family!

Vera said...

Michelle, my heart hurts for you. I'll be praying for you and your family! {{HUGS}}

Gretchen said...

i am so so sorry for your loss Michelle. praying for you

Stephanie Baxter said...

So saddened to hear your terrible news...I'm so so sorry. Thinking of and praying for you x

Beth Ann said...

Oh Michelle I am so sorry. Sending many many prayers your way for strength and God's love to help you through this loss.

Virginia said...

Michelle, I just heard the news. I am so, so, so very sorry. I am praying for you to have some sort of peace in your grief. XOXO

Julie (juls2000) said...

Michelle, I am so sorry to hear this. You are in my prayers. Hugs

gssfam said...

Oh Michelle...I am so sorry for your loss. If I had any words of comfort I would pass them on. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Susan Beth said...

I heard about this on SC boards, and though I'm not the most active person there I recognize who you are and want to tell you that I will be praying for you, and I am very sorry you have lost such a special person.

Sasha Farina said...

i am so sorry for your loss!! *hugs*

Keshet said...

Michelle, I was so sorry to hear this news. I will definitely be thinking of you and praying! Sending love.

justem said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love. (justem from SC)

Jules the Bling Princess said...

Michelle, I'm sending my prayers to you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss. Hugs, Jules.

katkni said...

We'll be thinking of you and your family. Know that you can call if you need anything. I'll give you a call next month. XXOO

Robin said...

Michelle, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

Jamie Dougherty (jaylynn) said...

Michelle I am so sorry to here about your mom. I could not imagine what you are going through but I send you hugs. You are in my thoughts and prayers. <3 Jamie

Diana Fisher said...

Oh no! I am so sad to read about your loss. Will keep you in my thoughts as you work through this right now.

angie said...

I am so sorry about the loss of your Mom. I am keeping you and yours in my prayers. hugs

Jennifer said...

I'm so, so sorry, Michelle. You and your family are in my prayers.

Jennifer Shaw said...

I am so sorry for your tragic loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Unknown said...

Michelle, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. Please know that you are in my prayers.

Donna said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you Michelle.

mandysea said...

Oh Michelle...
You mum lit up your life in her life....
and in her own way... will do so in her passing..
hugs and much strength and prayers sent your way
xxxxx

brigitte said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

monika said...

Life has a habit of presenting us with some awful surprises. I am so sad for your loss. I only hope that your mum did not suffer. I am certain that she is a peace and I hope that you find comfort in that. So sorry.

Petra Coolen said...

Dear Michelle,
I am so sorry for you......

Wendy Swenne said...

Oh my, Michelle, what a great loss this is to you and your family, and all others that knew your mom.

I wish you a lot of strenght to go through this. And that God will carry you through this difficult time!

stacyj said...

Michelle,
My heart goes out to you. This is such a hard thing. Have faith and know that families are forever!

xo

Unknown said...

Michelle, i'm so so sorry for your loss. you and your family is in my prayers.

Alison said...

IM so sorry for your loss Michelle, thinking of you and your family, hugs to you all

Michelle Whitlow said...

I am so sorry. This has to be such a horrible time for you right now. I lost my only brother last year very suddenly at the age of 29 so my heart goes out to you and your family.