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
at

96 comments:

  1. Nathalie KalbachJanuary 22, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    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!

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  2. Julie Tucker-WolekJanuary 22, 2011 at 4:26 PM

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

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  3. Lori WJanuary 22, 2011 at 4:39 PM

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

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  4. Candy BryantJanuary 22, 2011 at 4:55 PM

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

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  5. KimmieproutJanuary 22, 2011 at 6:13 PM

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

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  6. caroline hancock / ScrappercazJanuary 22, 2011 at 6:23 PM

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

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  7. McMGrad89January 22, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    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

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  8. chris aJanuary 22, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    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

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  9. Glue Meets PaperJanuary 22, 2011 at 8:01 PM

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

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  10. RachelGJanuary 22, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss.

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  11. kate blueJanuary 22, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    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.

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  12. BekkaJanuary 22, 2011 at 10:39 PM

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

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  13. LaraJanuary 23, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    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.

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  14. MaritJanuary 23, 2011 at 4:44 AM

    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!

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  15. LenaJanuary 23, 2011 at 6:25 AM

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

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  16. ThinkieJanuary 23, 2011 at 7:56 AM

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

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    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.

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  18. JessicaJanuary 23, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    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.

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  19. MelissaJanuary 23, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    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

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  20. jacque4u2cJanuary 23, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    You are in my thoughts - I am so sorry!

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  21. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    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!!

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  22. anne g-iJanuary 23, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    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...

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  23. JessJanuary 23, 2011 at 4:06 PM

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

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  24. CynthiaJanuary 23, 2011 at 8:32 PM

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

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  25. DianeJanuary 24, 2011 at 1:04 AM

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

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  26. mborreroJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    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

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  27. Angi BarrsJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:50 AM

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

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  28. HannekeJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    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

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  29. DebJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    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.

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  30. JennekeJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:41 AM

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

    XXXJenneke

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  31. erinrwillisJanuary 24, 2011 at 10:27 AM

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

    I will definitely be praying for you.

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  32. WendyJanuary 24, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    I'm so sorry for your loss Michelle! xx

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  33. Georgia VisacriJanuary 24, 2011 at 1:31 PM

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

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  34. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    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

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  35. Marie LJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    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.

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  36. li-bee-tiJanuary 25, 2011 at 6:01 AM

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

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  37. Kelly MassmanJanuary 25, 2011 at 6:19 AM

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

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  38. LexiJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:08 AM

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

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  39. DebbieJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    I am deeply sorry for your loss. =(

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  40. BetsyJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    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.

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  41. Erin MJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    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.

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  42. KimberlyJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    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

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  43. Emily PittsJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    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.

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  44. joanne (spagirl)January 25, 2011 at 9:38 AM

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

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  45. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:44 AM

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

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  46. GracieJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:48 AM

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

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  47. micheleJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:02 AM

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

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  48. AmyJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    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*

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  49. Meghann AndrewJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:47 AM

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

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  50. NoelJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:53 AM

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

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  51. KarenP(kphike)January 25, 2011 at 11:12 AM

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

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  52. TonyaJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:23 AM

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

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  53. leahJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:28 AM

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

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  54. UnknownJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    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.

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  55. angie gutshallJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:42 AM

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

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  56. lisa dickinsonJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:56 AM

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

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  57. *reyanna*January 25, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    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!!!

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  58. amytangerineJanuary 25, 2011 at 12:17 PM

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

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  59. Jenn KJanuary 25, 2011 at 12:51 PM

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

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  60. ElisaJanuary 25, 2011 at 1:04 PM

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

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  61. Davinie FieroJanuary 25, 2011 at 1:22 PM

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

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  62. cornellgjJanuary 25, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    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!

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  63. TinaJanuary 25, 2011 at 2:05 PM

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

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  64. RowieJanuary 25, 2011 at 2:57 PM

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

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  65. MartiJanuary 25, 2011 at 3:22 PM

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

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  66. Valerie BishopJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:14 PM

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

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  67. VeraJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:20 PM

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

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  68. GretchenJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:47 PM

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

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  69. Stephanie BaxterJanuary 25, 2011 at 5:32 PM

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

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  70. Beth AnnJanuary 25, 2011 at 5:36 PM

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

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  71. VirginiaJanuary 25, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    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

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  72. Julie (juls2000)January 25, 2011 at 5:40 PM

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

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  73. gssfamJanuary 25, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    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!

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  74. Susan BethJanuary 25, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    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.

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  75. Sasha FarinaJanuary 25, 2011 at 7:11 PM

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

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  76. KeshetJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:15 PM

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

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  77. justemJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:22 PM

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

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  78. Jules the Bling PrincessJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:24 PM

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

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  79. katkniJanuary 26, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    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

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  80. RobinJanuary 26, 2011 at 8:10 AM

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

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  81. Jamie Dougherty (jaylynn)January 26, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    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

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  82. Diana FisherJanuary 26, 2011 at 8:23 AM

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

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  83. angieJanuary 26, 2011 at 11:18 AM

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

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  84. JenniferJanuary 26, 2011 at 1:37 PM

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

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  85. Jennifer ShawJanuary 26, 2011 at 2:44 PM

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

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  86. UnknownJanuary 26, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    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.

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  87. DonnaJanuary 26, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Michelle.

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  88. mandyseaJanuary 26, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    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

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  89. brigitteJanuary 26, 2011 at 5:47 PM

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

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  90. monikaJanuary 27, 2011 at 3:03 AM

    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.

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  91. Petra CoolenJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:50 AM

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

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  92. Wendy SwenneJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    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!

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  93. stacyjJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:45 AM

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

    xo

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  94. UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:45 PM

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

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  95. AlisonJanuary 30, 2011 at 11:38 PM

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

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  96. Michelle WhitlowFebruary 2, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    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.

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