[Long Cut]

Well, her pain is finally over.

My mother, Lillian, passed away on December 31st, the same day her own mother died some 30 years ago. Mom was in great pain her last few weeks, but she bore that pain and suffering with all the strength and grace she could muster. She got to see myself and her grandson, Mini Cut, one last time, and then God answered her secret prayers and took her home to be with her beloved mother, father, and brothers. She went to sleep peacefully one last time, and took flight with the angels.

My father, her loving husband for almost 50 years, understands this, but that makes him no less lonely and sad to be without the woman he called "My best friend, my love, my heart" for a half-century. He is a strong man, though, and is bearing the loss with dignity, if not tearlessness. I have turned all my efforts to supporting him in this time.

I want to thank all of you who offered your prayers and wishes of hope, and who offered physical help if needed. Your words brought comfort and reassurance, for which I am eternally grateful.

Many people have, in the past days, told me what an awesome lady my mother was. They all have no idea, not like those who lived with and loved her. She loved her family, and in her healthy years gloried in gathering our extended family to our house on holidays, 20-40 people of all ages, and preparing sumptuous meals for them. She was always the first to send cards and gifts to anyone, for any occaision, which she kept meticulous track of, such was her love for her family. Only her felling by a stroke ten years ago brought her matriarch duties to a close. Our family, somehow, was never as close again without her at the helm.

She will be sorely missed, by all of us who knew her, but most of all by myself and my father, who got to experience her love on a daily basis, not just at special occaisions.

[Poohbah]

Prayers for the repose of Lillian.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.

[MoJo2001]

Long Cut:

First, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. What an Angel God has taken home. May she rest eternally in peace.

What a marvelous family you hail from. Thanks to your mother and father we have a brave hero that helps defend America from enemies that want to kill us.

How do we repay her or your father for raising such a wonderful young man?

The least any of us can do is pray and thank you daily for your sacrifice and to let you know that we are here.

*HUGS* and prayers for your family.

[dansangel]

I am so sorry for your loss ((((((Long Cut))))))).

May our Father grant you and your family comfort during your time of grief. May He wrap His loving arms around all of you and bring you the needed strength to get through this time of sorrow. May your mother Lillian rest in joyful peace in the arms of our Savior for all of eternity.

We ask these favors as Your humble and contrite servants in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

[beachn4fun]

Oh man.....reading this made me cry. I don't think my son's will be able to say the same about me. Dang! Bless you Long Cut. Thank God you got to see her before she went and that she was able to be released from the pain. I pray that your dad is comforted in the days to come.

[Fawnn]

oh my! Condolences on your loss. Prayers lifted for you and your family....

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

May God Welcome your mother Home and Comfort her family and friends.
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
Know that she is proud of you defending our country, as we all are.

[USAF_TSgt]

My families deepest sympathies to yours, Long Cut. Take care of your father, he will need your love now more than ever.

--USAF_TSgt (Phillip)

[Hondo1952]

I am sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. God has relieved her of her pain. Your grief will pass and you will remember the good times and all she taught you. In the meantime, you have friends here in the Canteen. All of us will do anything we can for you. I'm sure I speak for everyone here in that.

[international american]

God Bless Lillian and you too.

[Old Sarge]

You've got inbound FReepmal, FRiend...

[StarCMC]

I am sorry to hear of your loss, but I am thankful that your mother is no longer suffering. God bless you LC -- you and your father are in my prayers.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Prayers offered for your Mom, your Dad and you and your family. May your Mother rest in peace and free of pain. So glad that she was able to see her son and grandson one last time. Take care, Long Cut.

[LaDivaLoca]

My sincerest condolences and prayers to you and your family, LC. Please let us know if there is anything more we can do for you. We'll always be here for you. *HUGS*

[fatima]

God Long Cut I didn't know,Lillian,Your Mom loved to keep the family together-she will again,glad you got the baby to see her,beautiful woman with a wonderful family-you all will pull together,Mom knows.Prayers.

[SpookBrat]

I have thought and prayed for you, your mother and family for several weeks now. I'm glad you pinged me to share this news. I will continue in prayer for your comfort at this sad time, especially prayers for your dear father.

God bless you good friend. You're in my thoughts.