January 17, 2025

My Mom

My mother died today. The woman who literally gave me life and has stood beside me every day since then died today. I wanted you to know. Her name was Margaret Joan Kinsler Grimone. And she was my mom.

My mother was born on a late January day in 1937. She had an older sister and two younger brothers who she loved very much. She loved her parents and grandparents, too. She told us stories about their trips to the lake, walks down the street to Grandma Grace's house, and how Pals taught her to tie her shoes.

In high school, she played the bells in the band while her brother Tim marched with the drums. She was also a majorette and loved to show us how she could still twirl her baton. She went to dances in beautiful dresses and cheered for her younger brother Jim at his basketball games. She also kept her eye on a classmate with jet-black hair and a handsome grin.

She married that classmate, my father Bill, and together, they created a wonderful life with their five daughters in the white house on the corner that Mom absolutely loved. She put a beautiful tree in the front window and tall, sparkly candles on the radiator boards every Christmas. She drank coffee with Dad in the morning and drove us to school in her pajamas. She drove us in her red jeep to the lake with an eight-track tape called High Energy playing while she sang along. She said raising her girls was the most wonderful time of her life.

My mom had the most beautiful red hair and the most perfect smile. She loved the color green and hot fudge sundaes after dinner. Mom could turn a frozen turkey into Thanksgiving Dinner faster than anyone I know. When I was in college, my mom sent a homemade apple pie back to school with me on Sundays. Mom loved to sing and make people happy. She was a selfless caregiver to us all and was the best grandma ever. She told countless stories about her friend the bear and made the best bubble baths ever. When I tried, my kids were sure to tell me that Grandma's bubbles were way higher.

My mom was the best person I will ever know. I cannot imagine my life without her. As much as I want to keep her here forever, I love her too much for that. She has so many people waiting to welcome her home. Mom always told us that when you do something good for someone, you get another star for your heavenly crown. I can only imagine how brilliantly my mother's crown is shining now.

After today, the world will continue as usual. People will go to work and school, go shopping, cook dinner, and do laundry, unaware that my beautiful, amazing mother died today. But I wanted you to know. I wanted you to know that my mom is in heaven now. And I bet she sang the whole way there. Right now, I can hear her singing one of her favorites, reminding us that Life is but a dream.
















They are together again.


Billie Jo




92 comments:

  1. Your mom had a wonderful life and you, your family, and sister gave her all your love. God bless you.

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  2. Beautiful tribute to your Mom. May your loving memories bring peace and comfort.
    Terri

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  3. You paint a picture of loving, kind woman. Sorry for your loss. I'll be praying for you and your family.

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  4. Billie Jo - So sorry to read of you your mother's passing. This post is a wonderful tribute to her. I know you loved and cared for her until the end. God bless you in the grief of your loss, and may you know that life is eternal and that you will be with your mother again. Sending you love and prayers.

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  5. BillyJo, my heart is breaking for you and your family. This tribute to your dear mother is so full of love and light and fun. She is with certainly in Heaven and I know that brings peace. Hugs and prayers. Thank you for sharing her with us.

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  6. Oh Billie Jo! I know from all your previous posts about her that your mom was the best and was dearly loved! I love this tribute - her personality shines through. You were blessed to have her, and she was also blessed with a daughter like you. I'm thankful she is in heaven with a perfect body and mind! Praying for all of you in this loss.

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  7. Billie Jo, what wonderful words or remembrance for your dear mother. Your love and care for her were so special. Praying for you and all the family . . .

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  8. I am visiting from Kims blog - I just wanted to say I am so very deeply sorry to read of your Mums passing. I lost my mum just over a year ago now & I still miss her dreadfully. Yours definately had a wonderful smile. Take care of yourself - grief can be so exhausting. xx

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  9. Billie Jo, I was so saddened to read about your dear Mums passing. At least you can be comforted in the knowledge that she is cradled in God's arms now. Colleen (NZ)

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  10. What a heartfelt tribute to a beautiful Mother.
    Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
    Prayers for you and all your family,
    Jo

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  11. Oh BIllie Jo, I'm so sorry for you, to read that your Mom is gone. But, oh! For her my heart sings because now she is with the Lord and those who have gone before, including your Dad. From your posts over the past year, I've read about how much you loved your Mom and how much that love was obviously returned. Your Mom had a gorgeous smile and she passed that smile on to you. You look much alike. This is a wonderful, precious tribute to your dear Mom. You have a gift for writing and you have made your childhood seem magical.
    I lost my Mom when I was only 29 very unexpectedly of a heart attack in 1990. I had three young children and was lost without my Mom and her advice. She had only been retired 1 year. She was just 67. I miss her to this day and it still seems like yesterday. I feel her with me sometimes and I'm sure you will do the same with your Mom. They never truly leave us.
    My love and prayers to you and your family my friend.
    Blessings and love,
    Betsy

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  12. OH, my friend, I am so very sorry!! Feel free to email me if you just want to talk. My prayers are with you!!

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  13. Billy Joe I am so sorry for your loss!
    Yes, your mother lived a wonderful life until her old age, she had all of you around and was happy! He is surely in heaven near your father. You know your text made me cry!! It is wonderful that you are the daughter of such a woman!! The best tribute and the best memorial, remember her smiling! Be strong and remember her.

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  14. My heart is hurting for you tonight. I am so sorry, Billie Jo. I know there are no words that can make it any better, but I am keeping you and your family in my prayers and I pray for peace and comfort. She was a beautiful woman and I enjoyed learning more about her. She certainly sounded like a fun mama and grandma! I know you will have so many precious memories to treasure. ((hugs))

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  15. Danielle. oups mauvaise manipulation........C'est avec une grande tristesse que j'apprends le décès de vôtre maman, en ces moments douloureux ,je vous souhaites tout le courage nécessaire pour surmonter cette épreuve. Magnifique hommage que vous rendez a vôtre maman, Je vous suis depuis plusieurs années, mais je ne laisse (en principe) pas de commentaire. Comment je suis arrivée sur vôtre blog.. d'un clic a un autre , je suis tombée sous le charme de vôtre maison près du lac. Moi même , j'ai perdu ma mère (97 ans ) en
    2023 ..L'amour ne meure jamais et je suis certaine que l'on se retrouvera un jour.
    Amitié Billie Jo.

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  16. A beautiful tribute to an incredible lady.
    My sincere condolences, to you and all your family, Billie Jo.
    Sending lots of love. X

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  17. Your mother was a beautiful and wonderful woman, full of goodness and joy. I feel very sorry for you because of her death. I will pray for her and for you. I hug you cordially.

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  18. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. It’s clear from your words just how much your mother meant to you, and how much love and joy she brought into the world. Margaret Joan Kinsler Grimone sounds like an extraordinary woman, and your memories of her are truly beautiful. Please take comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on in the love she shared with you and the many wonderful moments you had together.

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  19. So sorry for the loss of your mom. Keep talking to her, she is listening always.

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  20. My deepest sympathies. Your description of your mom just shines with the love you have for her. May she rest in the light of Lord. And may your family and friends support each other in this grief.

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  21. Oh Billie Jo! I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful mother. My heart breaks for you, your sister, your kids and family. Prayers of comfort during this time!

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  22. Many prayers and sympathy. I know exactly how you feel. Mother was 60 and the best ever. You are right. Life goes on. My heart hurts for you.

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  23. Oh, Billie Jo, I am so sorry for your loss. I am honored and privileged that you wanted your readers to share in this life altering event with you. I hope that you find comfort from your bloggy friends. May your mom rest in peace and rise in glory and may the good Lord wrap his comforting arms around you and your family through the days that follow.

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  24. Billie Jo, I'm so very, very sorry. I pray God will wrap you in his loving arms and give you so much comfort. Thank you for all the times you've shared your beautiful mom with us. It blessed me every time. Much love to you and your family.

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  25. {{Billie Jo}}} I am so very sorry for your loss, your mom was simply the best, my friend. I will keep you in prayer sweet friend.

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  26. What a beautiful tribute to your mom. She must have been a wonderful woman. I'm so sorry for your loss but thankful you were blessed by her life.

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  27. Oh Billie Jo, I am so sorry for your loss. I shed a few tears reading this, but She is now in glory!
    Sissie (Out my Window)

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  28. I am so sorry for your loss. She is now cradled in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

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  29. I am so sorry about losing your mom. She is now an angel in heaven watching over you and your family. My prayers are with you and yours in this sad time.

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  30. This is so heartbreaking and precious. Your memories and description have brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful for this inspiring testimony of your beloved mother. Thank you. God bless and comfort you!

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  31. I'm so sorry, I know she meant to much to you. Take care of yourself and much love to you and your family. -Lisa

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  32. I am so sorry to hear this. You have so many beautiful pictures and memories of your mother and I feel grateful you have shared some of that with us. I pray you and your family receive the comfort, strength and peace needed at this time. I'm sending you, not only prayer, but a great big virtual hug.

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  33. So very sorry for your loss.

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  34. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady - your Mom. That post brought tears to my eyes as I felt your pain and loss. I am so sorry.

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  35. I am so sorry to hear this news about your Mom. No matter her age or yours, losing one’s Mom is heart-breaking.

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  36. I am deeply sorry that your beloved Mother passed away. You wrote such a beautiful story about her life. And you shared wonderful pictures of her. Her smile was a ray of sunshine. May God wrap around you like a blanket of comfort and love during this time of sorrow. And know you are loved here.

    ~Sheri

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  37. What a beautiful tribute and pictures you have written about your Mom. I am sorry to read of her passing, but I know she is rejoicing as she joins the Lord's mansion. I pray you find comfort and peace in your memories as you and your family navigate during this time. Thinking of you.

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  38. Oh, Billie Jo, what a beautiful, lovely lady your mom was! Your tribute is so beautiful. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. I know she is with all her loved ones that went before, but she is also still with you! My mom has been gone for 25 years, and I feel her presence daily. Much love to you, my friend. xo

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  39. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Your mom was a beautiful woman who had a wonderful full life. I so enjoyed hearing about her and seeing your pictures. I have cried today for your family and prayed for you to feel comfort in your loving memories.

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  40. Oh BillieJo I am so sorry for your loss. You shared the love that lasts for eternity and took such good care of her. There really are no words I can say to bring you peace but God will give it you my friend. I lost my Mom in 2019 from pancreatic cancer and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and miss her so much. Prayers for all of you 🙏🏻
    ❤️Jodi Walters

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  41. I’m so sorry for your huge loss. I know how much you all loved her and will miss her but I know also the glory and love that greeted her. She must be so proud of the mother you are and how you continue her legacy. You will carry her with you always.

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  42. Billiejo, it is Saturday afternoon as I read this. I am so sorry for your loss. You have written beautifully about your mother. Truly, this is one of the very best tributes to a parent that I have ever read. And all the pictures of you with your mom. Absolutely precious! May the Lord bless you and your family in these coming days as you adjust to her absence. She definitely left a beautiful mark on our world.

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  43. I am so sorry to hear this. ((HUGS)) She sounds like she was a lovely woman and a fabulous mother. Your post is so beautiful about her. I loved the pictures you shared. Please know that I will be praying for you and your family. Take care.

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  44. Oh my friend, across the miles, I am so sorry to read this – what a beautiful tribute you have paid her, such lovely and sweet family photos. I am sending you and your family prayers of strength, courage, and moments of quiet peace. I know you’ll have each other to lean on, and I pray that the sweet memories you have will carry you through this heartbreaking time.

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  45. You've written such a lovely post and I know it wasn't easy. I am so very sorry for your loss my friend. My mother died 2 years ago and I can still feel the sadness...I know we always will. Sending prayers and love to you and your precious family. Sweet hugs, Diane

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  46. Blessings to you and your family, Billie Jo. xx Jen in NS

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  47. A beautiful tribute you wrote. I pray and ask God to grant you and your family comfort and peace at this time. Hugs, Deborah

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  48. Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a lovely tribute to your Mom. May God comfort you and your family at this sad time.

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  49. I am so very sorry. Such a lovely tribute to your sweet mom. I smiled reading about her twirling her baton. I always enjoyed your pics of her. You were fortunate to have such a special mother and she was blessed to have you also. What a day of rejoicing it will be when we all get to heaven❤️🙏🏻

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  50. I just posted. I hate it says anonymous
    My name is Brenda from West Virginia.

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  51. I am so very sorry for your loss for your loss, Billie Jo. I actually gasped when I read the first sentence of your post. Beautiful tribute, beautiful life, beautiful photos. I'll be praying for you and your family. God bless you all.

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  52. Dear Billie Jo, I was so sorry to read this. I loved your posts about your mom. What a wonderful tribute to her. Jill

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  53. Oh Billie Jo. I am so very sad to see this. It is obvious to anyone how wonderful and beloved your mom was. I pray her memories are a blessing to you for the rest of your Earthly life. Please be gentle with yourself in these next days and weeks. This post was a wonderful tribute to your beautiful mother and I hope you continue to share whatever you're feeling and remembering as time marches on.

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  54. Billie Jo, I am sorry for the loss of your dear and lovely mother. There are good memories of her and loved seeing the photos of her and you. God be with you and your family as you are going through this time of grief. So grateful for the promise of heaven!!! Hugs and prayers and my sympathy, Becky

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  55. These photos and stories you've shared are so precious and special. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

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  56. I am sorry for the loss of your mom. She just always seemed like a hoot. I have always thought she and my mom would be great friends. My prayers are with you.

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  57. Billie Jo, I am so sorry to hear this. You wrote a beautiful tribute to the wonderful life your mom lived. I enjoyed getting to know her a bit through your happy memories. She sounds like a lot of fun and a woman who created a love filled happy home for her five daughters. It is evident that you are following in her footsteps in that regard. My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. May your many good memories bring comfort to you.

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  58. This is a beautiful tribute to your mom. I am so very sorry for your loss Billie Jo. I didn't have the privilege of personally knowing her, but I can tell from the way you have shared in this post, that she was an incredible lady who has left a lasting legacy in you. Please know that my heart is with you during this time of loss. Prayers of comfort for you and your family. May God wrap HIS arms around you and give you strength. Hugs to you Billie Jo

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  59. I am so sorry for your loss. Your love for your mother showed in every post you ever wrote about her including this one. Prayers for peace for you and your family.

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  60. Billie Jo, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mama was a beautiful lady, inside and out, and every post you ever wrote about her showed how much you loved and respected her. My own mother was also born in 1937, and she also had that lovely red hair. We will see them again some day, but for now, hugs to you, and God bless you.

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  61. Oh Billie Jo I am so very sorry. She lived a great life .

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  62. Your mother left the world a wonderful legacy. She raised her children well.
    You have taken what she taught you
    and raised your children.
    In this way she has affected the future and made the world a better place.
    You are so blessed to have had a mom like her.
    I had the other kind of mother.
    Nasty, vicious and abusive.
    Many of us get that kind..
    It's comforting to know there are women in the world like your mother.
    I'm sorry for your great loss.
    She had a beautiful warm smile.

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  63. Oh Billie Jo! I'm so sorry to hear this. I know how much you and your family will miss your beautiful mom but what a reunion she is having in heaven!!! I will be praying for your mom and all of you who are left to cherish her memory.

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  64. Oh dearest Billie Jo - I'm so sorry for your loss my beautiful Friend. It's been so clear to see all the years I've known you, what a gift your Mom was to you, your family and this world. I can't even imagine how bright her crown is shining! And no doubt at all how proud she was of you and what a treasure you and your family were to her. I believe she is with your Dad and in a heavenly kingdom more beautiful than we can ever imagine. I'm sending huge hugs to you all! And prayers for strength and peace in the days ahead. I hope that the wonderful memories you carry of your beautiful Mother bring you comfort and joy always. Endless love sent and blessings wished for you. 🙏🏻💗

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  65. Oh Billie Jo I am SO sad to read this. I know how much you adore and love your Mother. This was a beautiful tribute. BIG hugs and love to you and your family.

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  66. Billie Jo, so sorry for your loss. A very beautiful tribute . Big hugs and love to you and your wonderful family.
    Janie

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  67. What an absolutely beautiful post! Beautiful photos and such sweet words. A tribute to a very beautiful life. I pray that your memories and the love of all your family will comfort you and strengthen you in the days ahead. Praying for you, sweet friend.

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  68. Dear Billie Jo,

    My deepest sympathies to you, your sisters, and your family.
    I had the privilege of meeting your sweet mother so many years ago. It was that time I stayed with you and we went out to breakfast and a craft fair the next day. I loved talking with her. She was so full of wisdom, and she radiated joy the entire day.
    I know from meeting her that she adored you and I pray that the memories you have in your heart will sustain you these difficult days.
    Love,
    Tara

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  69. Oh Billie Jo I'm so sorry to hear this! This is a beautiful tribute, your mom was an amazing lady. My heart breaks for you.

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  70. My dear Billie Jo, I stopped by here on Friday but it was before you posted this and I am just now seeing it. I am so sorry to hear of your sweet mother's passing. I know how much you treasure her , as I do mine, but neither you nor I would wish them back. You and your family are in my prayers. xx

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  71. Dear sweet friend, I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family during this time of mourning. Even when we know we will see them again in Heaven, and they are truly with the Lord, it still feels like a hole in our hearts to loose someone so special as your mom. God bless you dear friend, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  72. Sorry for your loss....may you rest in the peace that she is home. After reading this entry all that came to mind was "A Life well lived"!

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  73. So very sorry for your loss Billie Jo. My deepest condolences. She was happy and loved and lived a good life. On to the next one. Be well and take care.

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  74. God bless you and your family, Billie Jo. Your Mom blessed you here on Earth. 💞

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  75. I'm so sorry for the loss of your much loved Mom. This is a lovely tribute to her.

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  76. Sending you much love and peace. Sorry for the loss of your Mom. It is hard to lose someone as important in your life as her.

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  77. You have reminded me of my own mom. I hope you find peace

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  78. I am SO sorry sweet friend:( What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful MOM. Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

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  79. My heart stopped when I saw the title of this post. I am so shocked and sorry for you and your family. You wrote the most beautiful words to describe your mom, and that last picture of your parents being together now - wow - tearjerker. So heartbreaking. I will keep your mom and your family in my prayers.

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  80. I am so very, very sorry for your loss Billie Jo. May all the sweet memories you have of her give you comfort. Thank you for sharing your stories, an amazing lady and one I feel privileged to learn about here and now. Your photos are a true blessing. God Bless you my dear friend. You and all those who love her have all my thoughts and prayers.

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  81. I am so sorry for your loss Billie Jo. I have enjoyed your posts sharing your mom with us through the years. Even now I have read your tribute with tears. I am glad she is in heaven with family gone before. I know you will miss her here on earth, but she will really never be far from you and you will see her again.
    Sending love to your family,
    Patricia

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  82. I'm so very sorry you lost your mom. You wrote such a beautiful tribute to her. I don't think I've ever read or heard anyones tribute as beautiful as yours about your mom.
    May she rest in peace.
    Sending prayers to you and your family.
    Rose

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  83. I am very sorry for the loss of your mother she looked like a kind, loving person. My condolences to you and your family.

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  84. Reading your blog for a long time now, I know how much you love and will miss your mother. When I was younger I used to hear people say "I think about my mother everyday" and I thought there is no way you would think of someone every single day. Then I lost both of my parents and realized how wrong I was. The memory of your mom will be eternal with you, and I found the love you have only increases,
    Thoughts of you and prayers for peace are sent your way.

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  85. I've been back and forth on what to say. I lost my mom 2 years ago and I now know the feeling of being alone. Thankfully I have a wonderful brother and sister who have been through life with me. With this I am going to say how truly sorry I am that your mom is gone. She seemed to be a wonderful soul. Look forward to seeing her again someday.

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  86. Dear Billie Jo, I am so sorry for the loss of your much loved mom, I will pray . X

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  87. Oh Billie Jo - I am so very sorry for your loss. Through you, we all know she was an amazing and wonderful person. My prayers are with you and your family. Praying that your memories lift you and you family up.

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  88. Billie Jo, I am sorry to read that you lost your mom. I have enjoyed the posts where you have shared her with us. This was a lovely post, and the pictures are wonderful. I pray our Heavenly Father comforts you.

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  89. I am behind on blogs and very sorry to read that you mom passed. I love though, how much you loved her and how important she was and still is in your life. True gift.

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo