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Amanda Lamb

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Amanda Lamb: Homecoming

By Amanda Lamb

Published: 2012-07-02 10:36:00
Updated: 2012-07-02 10:43:33

Posted: July 2, 2012

Tags: Amanda Lamb, Mom's Life

One of the nurses who cared for my mother at the hospital this past week told me that it seems strange that we celebrate when a child is born, and mourn when someone leaves the world. Because in reality, that child has many struggles and obstacles to face ahead of him in his life, yet, the person who is leaving the world has only peace to look forward to.

My mother made the decision this week to discontinue treatment and come home after a long, arduous fight with brain cancer that has left her tired, sick and ready to find some modicum of peace in whatever time she has left. It was not an easy decision. It was not a decision she took lightly, but it was her decision.

This new path we have begun to travel with the help of Hospice is not one that I expected to come so soon.

It is not one that has specific milestones like doctors’ appointments and test results. Instead, it is one that we walk hour by hour, each wondering what comes next.

It is frightening to watch as the sun sets on the life of a person you love. As she begins the journey down the other side of the mountain, you can’t go. You can only stand at the peak and watch her drift away in the distance until she is just a speck that you can barely make out. I will be there watching until she disappears from my view, but she will never disappear from my heart.

Amanda is the mom of two, a reporter for WRAL-TV and the author of several books including three on motherhood. Find her here on Mondays. Follow Amanda's mom's story on her CaringBridge site.

 

Copyright 2012 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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My mom went quickly as well, but for that, I am thankful for HER sake.
Click to view my profile pirategirl12
July 3, 2012 1:08 p.m.
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She will always be a part of the person you are. May you find peace in knowing that you have been a loving daughter that brought such joy, love and blessings to her life. You all are in my prayers for peace during this sad time of life.
cjnall
July 2, 2012 7:12 p.m.
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Thinking of you, Amanda.
pdeloatch
July 2, 2012 7:01 p.m.
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Your last paragraph summarized what so many of us have felt but were unable to put into words. Thank you & God bless you on this journey.
dcec48
July 2, 2012 5:09 p.m.
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Prayers for you and your family... I know that has to be so hard but at least you can help ease her pain knowing you are there. I know she doesn't want to leave all of you but just remember you will see her again.. Your mom will be healed and living in paradise and always in your heart and she will always be with you.. God Bless you and your family...
Click to view my profile Twittyfan
July 2, 2012 3:58 p.m.
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Aside from the birth of my children, watching my daddy slip away from this world and knowing that at that moment he was seeing his savior face to face, is one of my most precious memories.
UNCW_Ash
July 2, 2012 3:22 p.m.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you as you walk this road with your mother. I found myself in tears as I am reminded of my mother walking a similar road just a few months ago (when her mother- my grandma- was at the end). My heart aches for you in these difficult days. Know that you have people praying for you...
Click to view my profile Mom to Maple
July 2, 2012 3:17 p.m.
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The Primitive Baptist and some other religions call it "Homegoing." Godspeed....
takenly
July 2, 2012 2:13 p.m.
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Amanda hold on GOD WILL GET YOU THROUGH THIS PRAYING FOR YOU !!!!
theharps2
July 2, 2012 1:53 p.m.
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I didn't think I would want to be there when someone very close to me passed. but I was there when my Daddy took his last breath and I wouldn't change that for anything. I was able to say everything that needed saying and have no regrets because I spent time alot of time with him when he was healthy and when he was sick. Lean on the Lord, your family and friends during this time and cherish each moment.
bjgupton
July 2, 2012 12:26 p.m.
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