My beautiful, magical, creative, sarcastic, and fiercely loving mother, Melissa, died yesterday, Tuesday January 25th, at 9:39pm. She was 68 years old.
She and my father, Robert, were married for more than 46 years. The last word she ever spoke, two days before she died, was his name.
My mother was not religious, but she didn’t mind if you were. But what would mean more to her than your prayers – far more – would be for you to fiercely love someone today, and then to show kindness, and bestow grace, on everyone else.
We love you so much, Mom.
A Canticle for Lazarus 
By her love she lives on through you; it reverberates. Holding you all in my thoughts.
With deepest sympathy for you and your family. You seem to have inherited all of her wonderful traits. Hold the memories dearly.
Gail B Gall 617-283-3782
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I have been following your sad story for months and I felt like I knew you and your family. I lost my Mom 6 weeks ago to the same disease so I know what you are going through. I will honor your Mom today as I try to honor mine everyday by loving someone as much as I possibly can. My Mom, like yours, was a very special person. I pray for your Dad and you to find strength and peace. I don’t need to pray for your Mom. She is finally free. God bless. Carol
So very sorry Martha. Melissa had a daughter who loved her fiercely, bestowed kindness and grace not just to her but everyone. You could not have done more. My great sympathy to you and your loved ones Diana Hankes
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Martha and family,
My deepest sympathy. Hold on to loving memories of your Mom forever. In sharing your Moms illness, it opened my eyes to how fragile life is and to the complex nature of this disease. What a Loving daughter you are.
You did such a fine job of walking her home.
What a wonderful privilege you had in being able to care for your mother during her final years. You and your Dad did a great job in keeping her happy and loved. Deep sympathy to your family.
Your description of her is so true and so perfect. She was so proud of you. I will honour her memory in exactly the way you have asked.
God bless you and all the family. Melissa was an amazing person from the time she was young.
Oh Martha I am so sorry. I’ve enjoyed your writings of her and your experiences together. I hope for you these memories bring you comfort. My condolences to your Dad and your family.
Sending you a warm, non-awkward, slightly damp hug. Love and grace-such a wondeful legacy.
Thank you for sharing your Mom with us. Humbled by the gift.
So sorry for your loss. ❤ may God be near to you during this tough time.
Martha, my deepest sympathies in the passing of your Mom. I remember her as a wonderful, kind and giving woman who always had a smile to share. You have fantastic memories of her and I hope they comfort you during this challenging time. Huge hugs to you and all of your family! Nancy B.