Vaya con Dios – another personal update

My blog’s been pretty quiet, and with my husband’s blessing, I feel it’s time I explain why.

It’s an update I’ve been very hesitant to  give for the sake of the privacy of my family, and also because it’s just hard to talk about.

I explained previously that I was coming to New Mexico to be with my parents because my dad’s health has been declining.  After I arrived, he ended up back in the hospital in ICU, but for the time being he has stabilized and returned home.  His health is extremely poor and can change from one minute to the next.

Unfortunately, my dad’s health issues were just the beginning of the problems awaiting me when I arrived.

Psalm 23 Vaya con dios

What I didn’t mention before is that my mother in law also became very ill, so I was coming to New Mexico to be with her and my father in law.  She started feeling very poorly, and after extensive testing, we got the bad news that the breast cancer she had battled several years ago, had resurfaced in other parts of her body.  We hoped that with some quick and intensive treatment, she might be with us longer, but within just a few days, she deteriorated very quickly.   My husband drove through the night and was able to get here in time to see her and talk to her.

She passed away last Friday, with her husband of almost 50 years by her side, and we laid her to rest today.

Before my husband got on the road to get here, he spoke with her on the phone and she told him,  ” I love you, Mijo,Vaya con Dios.” – (which in Spanish is, “I love you, son – Go with God.”)

What better final wishes could a loving mother leave her son?

Vaya con Dios.

Go with God…

winter on a country road

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Comments

  1. I’ve been so behind on my blog reading that I didn’t realize you were dealing with such personal issues. I’m so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  2. So sorry, Angie.

  3. So very sorry Angie.

  4. I’m very sorry for your loss and your Dad’s poor health, Angie. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.

  5. Love and prayers for you and your family at this difficult time.xx

  6. Thank you for sharing this very sad news. Sending much love to you and your family, Angie. xxx

  7. Char Fsiher says

    I am so so sorry for you loss and the difficult time your family has been under. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Sincerely, Char Fisher

  8. So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you, your husband and family.

  9. Sherry Fram says

    So very sorry for your family’s loss. God Bless.

  10. Angie I’m so sorry for the loss in your family and I pray for strength for your family xo

  11. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you & your family

  12. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
    Many Blessings, Candy

  13. Karen Robbins says

    So sorry for your loss and the serous health issues your families are going through. You are all in my prayers.

  14. Hi Angie – I’m sitting at work reading this and sobbing. Just sobbing. I only know you through blogging but as a survivor, it hits so hard when I hear of another loved one lost to this horrible disease. We have a saying in our community that God has selected another angel to watch over all of us. There are no words that I can offer to ease the pain your family is feeling right now, but please know that my prayers will continue for peace and comfort. Do whatever you need to do to take care of your family and don’t worry about your followers. We will still be here. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Hugs, Holly

  15. Kathy/NorthCarolina says

    I.e., I am so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how completely spent you must be in body and soul. Please take some time off to rest and process. I pray the Lord will hold you and your family close and comfort you during these difficult times.

  16. I am new to your site and blog, but please accept my sincere sympathies to you and your husband on your terrible loss. I pray peace upon you and ask for blessings and strength for your father as well.

  17. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss Angie. Praying for you all.

  18. I’ve been praying for you and your family Angie. I, too, know the heartache of losing both mine and my husband’s parents. Will continue to keep you in prayer, especially for strength and rest in this valley.
    Hugs!
    XOXO

  19. My father died of lung and brain cancer 5 years ago. I took him to every chemo and radiation treatment. When he became much worse I told them at work I aWasTsking a leave of abscence I didn’t ask I just left. I was with my Dad when he died and would not have missed a day of it. Work and blogs can wait. You won’t loose any of your readers because of a few missed posts. My moms health is failing and she is in assisted living. My work on growing up blog has slowed down but life is short and my time with her is more important. Prayers for your Dad and for your husbands family
    Karen

  20. Sandy McElroy says

    Angie, God knew where you needed to be. The love you shared with your family will be with them always here on earth and beyond.Thankfully John was able to make it there before his mother passed. I know it will be hard leaving but you had special time with your mom and dad. Safe travels home. Our love and prayers go with you. Hugs kiddo

  21. Angie , my heart aches for you , your husband and family ! Your mother inlaw was comforting and giving love to her son to the end of her earthly life. What a comfort in knowing that she has gone on to her eternal life and that all of you will someday be reunited ! God Bless You All! Prayers for your father !

  22. Peggy Parenteau says

    What a blessing you could be with them. May your memories and God’s tender care bring comfort to you, your husband and family. Watching our loved ones suffering is so hard. I pray for strength for all of you. Take the time you need to stay healthy. Peggy/MN

  23. Marilyn Gray says

    So sorry for your loss! May the Lord wrap you both in His arms while you grieve.

  24. I’m sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  25. So sorry for your loss. It’s a very difficult thing to go through – I lost my mom 3 years ago and we still miss her very much. God WILL be with you and your family, bringing comfort and peace. Remembering the good times and cherishing the time y’all were able to spend with her will help bring healing.

  26. Thoughts and prayers are with you Angie and family through this most difficult time. xo

  27. Oh, Angie, my sympathies are with you & your husband. What a wonderful last message for your son to be able to remember his mother by. The fact that cancer has yet to be cured completely – with so many fantastical facilities, both treatment and research – leaves me feeling a bit jaded on the subject.

  28. My heart breaks for you and your family. Blessings and God’s peace!

  29. Praying for you and your family.
    Debbie

  30. Now her spirit is united to God and while you’ve lost her physical presence, you have a personal champion being with and loving you and your family forever!! I am sure your being with your mom and dad has been an immeasurable blessing to them. Safe travels when you return home. May you feel His Love and Presence. xxxx

  31. My heartfelt sympathy. Truly and deeply. Prayers and love for you and your family.

  32. I’m so sorry Angie. I’ll be praying for your father-in-law and your family.

  33. May Gods comforting arms be around you at this time.

  34. I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your mother in law. Sending my deepest condolences

  35. Sumaya Warwick says

    My heart goes out to you and your family Angie. How blessed you are to have known someone with a beautiful heart. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. xxxxx

  36. So Very Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
    God Bless!

  37. I was so sorry to hear this, Angie and am glad you and your husband were both able to be there. Such a hard time for a family…I know she will be very missed. The photo of your in-laws is beautiful. Love and prayers being sent your way…xoxo

  38. Kathy Chavez says

    God grant you and your family serenity and strength. My deepest condolences and prayers for support. To you and yours.

  39. Patty Soriano says

    Angie, my sympathies to you and your family. I pray that the sweet memories of this lovely lady will comfort all of you during the difficult days ahead. My mother also had breast cancer but died of ovarian. She and dad had 55 years together. I always love to hear about couples who stood the test of time and stayed together until death to us part. I hope your dad will have more good days than bad days. I’m glad that you can take the time to be there with him.

  40. My heart goes out to you for your loss and for falling behind in your posts. I just lost my in-laws, one month apart after 70 years together. It was so hard to lose them! I am sending you prayers for your dad and strength for yo to carry on the best that you can.
    Hugs,
    JP

  41. prayers for you all at time time…
    and I just love the Spanish language as it’s full of sayings that really mean something to me….must be my growing up in San Diego….

  42. Oh Angie, I am so deeply sorry for this great loss to your family and for all of the continuing health problems your Dad is experiencing…what a terrible burden to have to carry…you and your husband must be absolutely exhausted and heartbroken. I can tell by the beautiful photo you shared of your inlaws that your mother-in-law was a lovely woman so full of life and love…oh, how you must miss her. Please know my thoughts and my heart are with your family at this time…I will continue to keep you all in my prayers, praying for much better and brighter days ahead for all. And wishing you much strength, serenity, and comfort during this very difficult time.

  43. Sheryl Danner says

    A beautiful, though sad, post Angie. I am sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law and all you have gone through recently.

  44. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please take care of yourself during this time.
    May the Lord bless you with comfort and peace, I pray.
    Xoxo

  45. So sorry for your loss, Angie.

  46. I’m so sorry Angie, praying for you, your husband and family!
    Hugs

  47. I’m so sorry for your loss, peace for your family in your storm!

  48. Margaret Mills says

    I am so sorry for your loss, Angie. Much love and prayer for you and your family.

  49. I have been where you are, Angie, and I pray for you. I pray for strength, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. May you find the jewels among the snow that you will treasure in times to come. Keep your heart and mind in the Word from which your strength comes.

  50. Oh Angie, I’m so sorry for everything you have been going through. Many prayers for comfort during this time for you and your family. Hugs.

  51. Lisa Marutz says

    Your blog brings your readers so much joy. I can only hope that our prayers and blessings will fill your heart and that of your family during these times.
    Blessings, Lisa

  52. Angie- So sorry you are going through such a difficult time. Wishing you & your family our deepest sympathies!!! from both Randi & Carol~

  53. My heart, my prayers and God’s comfort to you and your family.

  54. Marlene Stephenson says

    Sorry for your grief but know, she will be with God. Will be praying for the rest of you and hope things get better.

  55. I’m so sorry Angie. Prayers for you and your family.

  56. Angie, I am so sorry for your loss. May Lord give you and your family the strength and serenity that you will need throughout these hard times. My prayers will be with you and your family.

  57. I am so sorry about your mother-in-law, Angie. My prayers are with you, your hubby and you father-in-law.
    So very sad…

  58. Cathy Thompson says

    God Bless you Angie !!! May God wrap His loving arms around you and your family !
    My mama passed away January 3rd . With many prayers my family felt such peace and comfort !!
    Hugs
    Cathy

  59. My deepest sympathy to you, Angie. May God give you peace and comfort. Sending prayers.

  60. Mary Lee Moeny says

    What a wonderful gift for a mother to leave her son. I know the Lord will give you and your family the strength to deal with whatever He allows to happen – He has promised to be with you through this.

  61. Angie, prayers to you, your husband, and family. Your post made me tear up, but what a beautiful tribute to your mother in law and Mary our Mother. May you find comfort in knowing that she is with the Holy Family. Big hug, Cynthia

  62. Pat Forman says

    What a very tough time you are all going through. God Bless you all with the strength to see you through. Hugs to all. Love your cousin, Pat and Don Forman

  63. Cathy Hensley says

    So very sorry to hear about all that you and your family have been going through Angie.

  64. Denice Hall says

    I am so sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law and hope that your father’s health improves. You and your family will be in my prayers.
    I absolutely love your blog, but also understand that you must take care of your family.

  65. So sorry for your loss, Angie. May God bless you and your family during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  66. Bonnie Martin says

    I’m so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family..

  67. I’m sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family.

    Tania

  68. Pam Hawklns says

    Sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.

  69. Pam Hawklns says

    Sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.

  70. Angie, my deepest sympathy to you and your husband at the loss of your mother in law. My mother in law passed away in October and my mom in August of 2014. Both were wonderful wives and mothers and we miss them terribly as I know you will miss yours.

  71. I’m so sorry for these recent struggles and loss. May your mother in law’s memory be a blessing. May your father’s health improve and strengthen. May your family be comforted by peace and great memories. God bless you and keep you. You are in my prayers tonight.

  72. Angie, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You continue to be in my thoughts during this most difficult and stressful time in your life. Hold those memories tight to your chest as you grieve her loss. Hugs from Canada

  73. You and your family are in my prayers

  74. May God hold you, your husband and family in the palm of His hand and may your Dad be on the road to good health very soon.

    From Canada

  75. Trusting the Lord will give you and your family his peace during your time of loss.

  76. Wendy Johnson says

    So sorry for your families loss, What a beautiful picture of your husbands parents. I will continue to pray for you all.

  77. Wendy Price says

    Oh Angie – so sorry to hear of your family’s loss and all that you are dealing with. It is so devastating losing someone close to you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

  78. Oh dear Angie you sure got your share of sad news with your dad illness and your Mil passing. What a beautiful and sensitive post. Thank you for sharing the psalm XXIII and for sharing with us.
    Si… ‘Vaya con Dios’ is a beautiful sentence when you say goodbye to a loved one and your Mil was able to give her last goodbye in this manner to her dear son. Mother always says that when we go on a trip.
    I hope your dad gets stronger and feels much better soon. It’s sad how our parents life start to wilt away slowly.
    Blessings.
    FABBY

  79. My thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. I’m so sorry to hear that your Mother-in-law passed away. I hope your dad feels better soon. Blessings. -Mary

  80. Very sorry for your families loss. Prayers and healing thoughts for your dads health.

  81. Renee Harris says

    In deepest sympathy. May God comfort you and your family.

  82. Thinking of you and your family. She sounds like she was a strong lady. Hoping your Dad is resting comfortably. You take care of yourself too.
    Blessings

  83. So sorry for your loss. I lost my husband to cancer- its a difficult thing to go through.Take care of yourself.

  84. Narelle Power says

    Sending love and light from Australia <3
    Narelle

  85. So very sorry for the loss of your mother in law. May the Lord shower your family with peace and comfort. We loss my in-laws both to cancer on the same day 3 1/2 years ago. Her to brain cancer and him to bone cancer. We are also in New Mexico,Farmington. Prayers for your dad and the family. I know how hard it is and know taking care of yourself is also important.

  86. Angie, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family, including your parents and your father in law. My mother is currently in hospice care. It is not easy, is it? <3

  87. Angie, I am sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law. Losing our parents is one of the most difficult losses we face in life, I think. All mine except my mother-in-law are gone now and she suffers with Alzheimer’s so in a way she is gone, too. I find it hard to accept that I am now the “older generation.” No-one to look up to, you know?

    What a beautiful couple your husband’ parent are in the photo you sent. They just look so happy and content with each other. You can tell that they are lovely people. My sympathy to you and your family in your grief. And thank you for trusting your readers with this piece of your life.

  88. I also was behind on my blog reading and didn’t realize what all was happening. My heart goes out to you, your husband and all of your families. I lost my dad just a little over 6 months ago and I’m still reeling. It’s been a difficult journey and my heart aches for you all. My relationship with him was strained but there nonetheless. Unfortunately my step family, although I had been caring for them both for some years now, decided that once my dad had passed everything including the home was now my stepmother’s and I was no longer welcome in it nor did I need anything of his. I pray you do not have to deal with anything like that on top of the mourning.

    Vaya con Dios indeed my friend, vaya con Dios!

    • Lisa, my heart goes out to you. It’s hard enough to lose a family member without the additional pain of strained family relationships.

      • Thank you Angie, that’s very sweet of you. Thankfully my faith is very strong and I never put much stock in the material things of this world. I know there is a reason and a purpose for His plan, even if I do not understand it. My prayers are always that people put stock in the love and kindness we can show each other and not in the material things that will have no meaning later.

        Peace be with you and your loved ones.
        Lisa

  89. Angie, I had no idea until I just read this that your husbands Mom passed. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for the health of your Father.

  90. Angie, love and prayers for you and your husband and all your family.
    Joy

  91. So sorry for your family’s loss Angie. I’m glad you could be there

  92. I’ve been traveling myself visiting family and I’m afraid I feel far, far behind on my blog reading.
    I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss but so glad your husband go there in time.
    All my best wishes to you and yours.

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