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Dispatch from LA

MARY ANN MOSS

mama moss has left the building

24 Feb 1950 Mom

maria angelina vela died early this morning as i was boarding the plane for my flight home.

DSCN2698

yesterday carol & i were at her bedside all day long and into the evening.  i'll write more about this in the coming week.  i made it to kansas in the nick of time, and for that i am v. v. glad.  

thank you for the continual waves of love & kindness.  i am going out to sit in the sunshine and listen to birdsong…poke around in the garden.   mama moss would like that.  she'd like it a lot.

xo

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Comments

  1. Just catching up today and read this. My thoughts are with you. Momma Moss was blessed with some very fine daughters, this much I know. Hugs to you.
    Molly
    from Houston

  2. So sorry to hear of your loss. So glad you were able to make it to see your mom before she left. Condolences to you and your family.

  3. I don’t know why that you came to mind today. I took a peek at your FB page and read the news. I am very sorry for your loss. I am still mourning the loss of my mom. I send you my sincere condolences.

  5. I hope you and your sisters will be okay. I have really enjoyed all your adventures and, want you to keep on as if you knew your Mom would be calling to know that you were all right- even though you hadn’t even started you trip yet.
    my heart goes out to you.
    thank you for all you’ve shared and you’re welcome too!

  6. I’m so sorry for your loss Mary Ann, May you be comforted at this tender time. You and your family is in my thoughts and prayers.xo

  7. I’m so sorry, Mary Ann. You have celebrated her life so beautifully on your blog and I have appreciated how you have shared her with everyone. I’ll keep you and your sister in my thoughts. I know you’ll be comforted by wonderful memories of her.

  8. I am very sorry for your loss. She always looked happy in your pictures and that is a good thing to remember. Maybe there is no afterlife, I do not know. But I do know that we are part of the energy existing in our universe and as such I believe, she just might buzz around your ear at times..
    with great affection….

  11. Just wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss – but what a beautiful way to mark the moment with birdsong. Just lovely.
    I only found your site this week and have been satisfyingly re-inspired to make some new books after enjoying ‘Remains of the Day’. Thank you.

  12. I have taken so much comfort from reading your blog, been warmed by your colors and patterns, been transported by tales of your travels… thought this would be a good moment to offer you just a few words of comfort. So very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your sister and you. -all best, Shawne

  15. I ,unexpectedly lost my dad the day after thanksgiving and almost lost mom in January….I know howvyounare feeling. Take all the time you need outside with nature …there will be moments during the upcoming months where something will spark a memory and the tears come forward in your eyes ….let them flow….it means mom was loved and you can find reassurance in that fact…please accept my sympathy and know you are in my thoughts .

  18. Mary Ann, sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your dear family during this difficult time. Sending hugs to all of you.

  19. Mary Ann, my heart and thoughts are with you and you family during this time of sadness. Even though we know the end is near, it is still hard to deal with when it comes. There is a deep void left behind, especially when it is our dear mother…I know there was for me. Take comfort in the memories..for there they yet live within our hearts. xxx

  20. I’m so sorry that your Mama is gone, Mary Ann, and I marvel at your good timing to go visit this last weekend. She timed her death just perfectly, giving you time to say goodbye just before you boarded your plane home. I’m glad I got to know a little about her through your blog.

  21. Mama Moss may have left the building, Mary Ann, but she is nestled safe and sound in your hearts and will live on forever because of that. My thoughts and my prayers are with you all. God Bless your mama and you and your family.xo

  22. I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my mama a few days before Christmas. I’m glad you got to see her one last time, and I’m glad that you got to poke around in the garden; that’s a lovely tribute to a lovely woman from the lovely woman she raised.

  27. I always think there’s more time than there ever is. I know you and I have never met, so you may not believe how much I care for you and your lovely family. I am saddened by this great loss. I know your beliefs and respect them, so all that is left is my heart and all it holds. I know it is not enough, but hopefully in the midst of all your family and loved ones you will not notice so much. I am so sorry, so very very sorry.

  31. How wonderful to see that in this time of grief you are surrounded by so much love and understanding. Even though inevitable, it is always such a sad loss. My thoughts are with you and yours. Deep Peace.

  33. You are in my thoughts and prayers, amiga. I am so sorry for your loss. May you and your familia know that your mom dances with all the other angelitos in heaven. Healing blessings y besitos, Yolanda.

  34. My condolences to you and your family, Mary Ann. Your Moma was a beautiful woman.
    Perhaps they are not the stars but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
    Based on an Eskimo legend.

  35. God Bless Your Family, sympathies to you at this time of loss, your blog came
    to me through a friend and I have considered you a friend I stop by often to
    visit. Thank you for everything that you share with us all, and your spirit.

  38. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Ann. It is such a sad time when we lose our mothers. May you find peace in remembering all the happy times you had with her.

  39. i am very sorry for your loss. i have no idea what i would do without my mom. please know that my prayers are with you and your family.

  40. Hugs and love to you, Mary Ann. Your mama is in a safe place now. Will pray for you and your family. Carrie

  42. Oh Mary Ann, I’m so sorry. Sending you hugs and sympathies. I’m so glad you got to spend some time with her again before she died. Cherish the memories. Love, Caatje

  43. Dear Mary Ann~~ There are no words that can truly console at a time like this.
    Suffice to say that we are with you in spirit and wish you comfort for as long as that is needed.
    May Mama Moss rest in eternal peace.
    Blessings on you and your entire family.
    ~Sassafras

  49. So sorry for your loss. Glad you got see her and say goodbye. May that give you peace in your heart. You were obviously a great daughter.

  51. Hugs, MaryAnn. I spent my mama’s last days beside her some years ago. It’s a blessing to have that time, but the loss is so hard. Be gentle with yourself.

  52. Godspeed to Mama Moss. May she live on in your heart forever. I have not yet lost my mother but I have lost my father, 32 years ago. It takes a while to go though the grieving process. All the best to you and your family.
    Aloha, Kate

  53. Mary Ann: My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that you and your family will be in our nightly prayers. Sending you prayers, peace, and love.

  54. my prayers for you and Mama Moss; she was a beautiful woman. even though I had not personally met her, I can see the kindness in her eyes. it’s doubly difficult to lose your mom. may all of your wonderful memories comfort you. hugs

  56. Sending my love your way at this sad time. My thoughts are with you and you family and thank you for allowing me to share the journey with you. Take care.

  60. You have lots of loving thoughts being sent your way.! How fortunate you were to be able to be there with your mom one last time. Take time to be in Nature and nurture yourself.

  62. Dear Mary Ann! I am so so sorry! Being able to be there with the person we love is so important and I am glad you got there in time. I have been where you are with my dad, and it will help you in the months to come, knowing that you have done everything you possibly can to make your mama feel loved in her last days. Be kind to yourself over the next weeks. It is a difficult stage we (our age group) are in, where our parents become ill and we lose them. But a whole community is with you at this time and I hope you feel the love that is flowing your way from all over the world.

  63. Oh, Mary Ann…my heart goes out to you, Carol and the rest of the family. Such a devastating loss of such a special lady. I am so very very sorry for your loss. I am so glad that you and Carol were able to spend yesterday with her. I know it made her happy. Sending prayers your way.

  64. Mary Ann, You and Carol have been in my thoughts for the past few days. I’m so sorry for your loss! Your mother must have been nothing short of amazing and it is reflected in the incredible family she raised. I’m so happy that you were able to spend a few more days together and know that you are all in my heart through this time.

  65. Sorry for you loss Mary Ann. Happy you were able to spend some time with you mother. Praying for peace and understanding as you process your loss. God Bless.

  67. Mary Ann, know that you, Carol and your family are in my thoughts. In the last year and a half, I too have lost loved ones to Alzheimer’s. I know that the disease is particularly hard on the family. From those of us who have gone through it or are going through it, we thank you for sharing your story. Glad to hear you were able to just visit her. Peace be with you and your family.

  69. Mary Ann, Mama has that impish look that says she knows something nobody else knows. Now she does, and enjoying the heck out of it. There are no words, but I will say, I am truly sorry with love. Maria

  70. Mary Ann, Mama has that impish look like she knows something nobody else knows. Now she does, and enjoying the heck out of it. There are no words. But I will say, I’m truly sorry with love. Maria

  71. How lucky for you to have such a wonderful mother daughter relationship. May you continue to celebrate her life and your bond. Sending comforting thoughts your way.

  72. Your words, so simple and from the heart, have brought me to tears. Take all the time you need to find peace in your heart.

  74. It was our privilege to walk this journey with you and your family. Thank you for including us in the life of your wonderful mother…every time I saw her picture, I thought she had a particular sparkle in her smile and eyes. We will all miss her updates. May peace envelope you in a difficult time.

  76. Deepest condolences. She was a bright, bright energy and she raised some super-cool kids to carry forth that bright energy and love of life. I lost my mom at 18 and it never goes away but it does ease. You know that trick when someone pulls the tablecloth out from under the place settings? Have you ever seen it go wrong? All the knives, spoons, bowls– even the teapot — go tumbling down in pieces. That’s how I felt when my mom died. I’m sending you and your family healing thoughts through this tough, tough time. Hang in there.

  77. How wonderful you were there this weekend, I think she was waiting for you…..sending loving wishes to you and your beautiful family.

  79. SO glad you got there in the nick of time. Glad you got to say goodbye and to be with her in this hard, hard process. You and your sisters sure loved her dearly. I will include all of you in my prayers.

  82. I am so sorry for your loss. I loved reading about her in your posts. Thank you for sharing her with us.

  85. Mary Ann — Like everyone else, I would like you to know that I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom will live on in your heart, mind, actions and adventures! Please extend condolences to the rest of your family, too!

  86. You and your sisters are in my thoughts and prayers, Mary Ann. May you know peace, deep peace. May your poking around in the garden bring you comfort. And may your tears and sorrow flow freely whenever they need to.
    Take good care of yourself and your tender heart, my dear.

  90. So so sorry. Peace to you and yours. Been there and it’s so hard. Receive strength from those who love her and you.

  91. Sending loads of love and thinking of you. It’s not easy. Your Mama will be in your heart forever. big hugs, Donna

  92. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending peace and light and love to you and all your family. Angie left such a beautiful legacy of love.

  96. Mary Ann,
    Because of your having included Mama Moss on your blog all the time I’ve been following you, she had come to feel like a presence, also, in my life. I’m so sorry for this, for her passing, for all you are feeling now that causes you to hurt. Thank you for sharing her with me, with us. You are loved, and so is Mama Moss.
    Toni

  97. I’m so very sorry to hear of your momma’s passing. I’m so glad you were able to go home and be with her and your family. Go slow and take very good care of yourself. Thinking of you and your family, sending lots and lots of hugs and wishes for peace and comfort.

  101. MaryAnn,
    thank you for posting your Mom’s wonderful portrait. AND, you are so lucky that you inherited her sparkle & spunky eyes….She raised four great kids….and you inherited her creativity! Mama Moss will send you and your sisters & brother lots of fond memories often….I cannot believe how many memories have returned to me since my mom died this past summer. fondly, Holly

  102. I’m so glad you were able to be there over the weekend.
    I’m imagining all of you, past and present, at the transitional celebration you imagined last week — sitting around under bunches of balloons, enjoying Carol’s amazing baked goods (and perhaps one or two of her creative cocktails), and telling stories (as Mosses do) of then and now, here and there, far and wide, small and large…..
    Sending good thoughts.

  103. Sending love and prayers and holding you tight in my heart. I’ll be checking the heavens tonight for a special twinkling star. xoxo, gretchen

  105. Thank you for sharing so much of your mom with the world. She is truly a special person and also raised some extremely special people. You are in one giant hug bubble.

  109. So sorry, Mary Ann. What a gift to both of you that you were able to see her; that was no accident. She waited for you to say one last good-bye. Thank you for sharing her with us. Blessings to you and your family. Hugs…

  111. My condolences. I was in your shoes a year ago. I too got back in time to say my goodbyes. Be kind to your sweet self in the days and weeks ahead. Mama Moss left this world with the legacy of the wonderful children she let loose into the world.

  116. I’m truly saddened by the news and my heart goes out to all of you. I am so glad you had time with her, nothing can replace those hours or those memories. I just reached out across the miles and gave your hand a squeeze. Sit in the sun as long as you need to, I’ll sit here too for just a moment… thank you for sharing her light with us… I’ll always enjoy a good Mama Moss story anytime you want to share one…Your Mom was adorable!!! xoxo

  120. I am so glad that Angie will no longer be ill or confused and I am so sorry that you won’t have her with you any more. Let the lullaby of the night wrap you in all the love being sent your way.

  121. I am so sorry Mary Ann. She was a wonderful woman to have raised such awesome children and what a beauty! Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

  122. Mama Moss was so beautiful, the photos you and Carol posted today are stunning. I know you two will see the rainbow through the tears, and celebrate the life of Angie.. :LOVE:

  123. Gus to you and your family. How special you were there this weekend. May your memories bring you much comfort.

  127. Oh Mary Ann. Your mom was such a delightful woman. I always loved watching the interplay between you and her. You would always get her to do the silliest things. She always played along. She loved you so much and found joy in spending time with you. Please let me know if you need anything. Send my love to Carole. I am thinking of you. Lianne

  129. Mary Ann,
    I’m so very happy that you made it in time to say good-bye; I’m sure she was just waiting for you and your presence lent her the peace to pass over. I’m so sorry for the hole that has been created in your life and in the world tho. I know there are no words that can help to fill that void but as the sun goes down on us tonight I know there will be another star shining brightly above watching over you… Thinking such warm thoughts for you in this time of grief but hoping all your happy memories will soon lend you comfort.
    Susan

  130. So sorry for your loss-condolences to you and your family. She’ll be watching over you in your travels now.

  131. Goodbye Mama Moss. Your job on earth well done. Your light still shines on in those who love you. xoxo

  133. So touched by the wonderful stories of your sweet Mom. Through yours and Carol’s posts I felt I knew her. Sending lots of love.

  137. Oh, Mary Ann…. I am truly sorry for your loss. I appreciate you letting me get to know your mom through your posts. I know that she will be missed by many. May peace find you now & in the days that come.
    xo Lynn

  138. I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and all the family. It was a pleasure getting to know Mama Moss a tiny bit through cyberspace. RIP 🙁

  140. I am so sorry for your loss… in your writings you have made us feel like she was a part of our own family. Sending peace, light and love ~ Deb

  143. Mary Ann, I just came from Carols blog, where I have been popping in all week-end to see if there was an update. I’m so very sorry. I’m so glad you got to see her once again to say Goodbye. You, Carol, Dottie, and your brother gave her so much love and caring, and you shared her with all of us. Listening to the birds and being out in nature….it’s good for times like these.

  144. I’m so glad you were able to see her before her grand voyage. My thoughts are woth you and your family. It’s always harder for those who stay. xo

  145. Oh god, I’m so very sorry. It sounds like she was a great lady. What a profound loss. Deep condolences to you.

  149. Mary Ann, dear, I send you my heartfelt condolences, my prayers and a great big hug. I’m so glad you were able to get to Kansas in time to say your goodbyes. I lost my dad several years ago, and the time I spent with him, even when I’m not sure he knew I was there, was precious to me. You’ll have that. I wish you a great measure of peace in the coming days, and many lovely memories as the months pass. What a beautiful photograph! All you girls look like her.

  151. Mary Ann, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Three years ago this week, my Mother passed away. I had actually lost her to dementia several years earlier. I do understand. Hugs,love,and wonderful memories to you.

  153. Mary Ann. You must be filled with feelings right now. Simple, complicated, so real. I am just glad that you were there. What wonderful daughters Angie has. Much love.

  155. Condolences Mary Ann , he loss of your mom is a hard one we all have to take. Wishing you some quiet time to process . Sending hat comfort I can.
    Kate

  156. Oh, Mary Ann. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother’s most outstanding work definitely lives on in you and your sisters. Be gentle with yourself as you grieve. We all will miss her, too.

  160. Mary Ann, so sorry for your loss. I don’t comment often but follow along faithfully and please know I’m thinking of you, Carol and your family .

  161. Aw, I’m so sorry Mary Ann. It’s so hard to lose your Mama. Blessings to yiu & your family.
    Hugs,
    Sheila

  162. So sorry about your loss, Mary Ann; it is very difficult. Let yourself grieve…when my Dad passed away I held it all back and it took me so long to come to terms with his loss….my thoughts are with you …hugs julierose

  163. Mary Ann I am so glad you got there one more time. so sorry for your loss…I hope the sweet memories bring you peace.

  164. Peace and love to all of you. Maria Angelina Vela’s bright light lives on in the amazing people she raised.

  165. I am so sorry for your loss, Mary Ann, but so thankful that you got home in time to say goodbye. When I lost my son, I “saw” him everywhere…ladybugs in odd places, special birds, a movement in the garden, fabulous clouds. I wish you the same moments of joy and remembrance. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  166. So sorry to hear this, but I know that you all did the very best for your dear mother. Thank you for sharing her with us, I’ve loved “knowing” her thru your and Carol’s postings about her.
    Loss is hard, grief will hit you in waves, go with it. Remember all the things Momma Moss loved and that made you smile.
    You celebrated her life so beautifully with the abundance of love you showed her.
    Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
    Hugs, big ones.

  167. Sorry for the ache you must have with her gone. We lose a part of ourselves when we lose our Mothers. So thankful that you had such a precious and loved Mother and sisters to have in the sharing of living and loss and comfort too. You’ll need each other. Praying for the days ahead to be full of comfort and rest in your heart and soul. Thank you for sharing so much with us, even your Mom.

  172. You Moss girls have been in my thoughts this past week, and I’m now sending loving and peaceful vibes your way. What a privilege it has been to get to know your marvellous mama through your and Carol’s blogs. Take care xxxx

  177. Wow. Please know I’m holding you and those you love in light. Mama Moss left a wonderful legacy in her children-she was a grand lady, indeed.
    x to the power of o

  179. Mary Ann, I’m so very sorry that you’ve lost Mama Moss. I hope that you can take comfort from your family, from good memories and your well-wishers who are devoted to your blog.

  180. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I will be thinking about you all during this difficult time.

  182. I am so very sorry for your loss…thank you for sharing such a beautiful portrait of your Mother.

  184. Sweet mamma. So sorry. I am so glad you got there in time. She knew you were there and she knew she could go in peace. <3

  186. Sweet Mary Ann, I am so sorry for your loss, but so glad you got there in time to say goodbye. Mama Moss, what a beauty!

  188. What a beautiful lady, glad you were able to be with her on ther finally day! Sorry for your loss!

  190. Hey sistah! Much love and light coming your way….glad you got to spend time with mama Moss in her last days! Love you lots!

  194. Much love to you Mary Ann. Your gift of story telling made us all close to Mama Moss, so we all feel your loss. My deepest condolences…

  196. Sending you hugs and my deepest sympathies. It has been so great getting to know her through you and your sister, and I will miss hearing about her. So glad you got a chance to say goodbye.

  199. I’m so very sorry for your loss and am glad you were able to get back to see her again. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

  200. I am so very sorry; it has been a privilege to get to know your mom through your blog, your loss is shared. So glad you could be with her and bless you all. What a beautiful photo too. I can see her smiling eyes in you. Sending you love.

  201. Mary Ann and carol and your other siblings, I am sending you much love and strength for the loss of your wonderful Mum. You are in my thoughts and I will say a little prayer for her here in England , thinking of you all xx

  202. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Ann. Knowing that it is coming does not decrease the pain of loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

  205. I saw your blogpost title in my feed and my breath caught in my throat. I am so so sorry for your loss Mary Ann. I know the pain of losing a mom, and I could tell through your blogposts how special your relationship with your mom was. I’m glad you were able to say goodbye in person. Hugs to you.

  208. So very sorry…. But so glad you were able to say goodbye.
    Even as expected as it was, the finality of it is so overwhelming.
    Sending hugs, love!!!

  210. You have my deepest sympathy. It’s good that you were able to be with her. It’s always so hard to lose a parent.

  211. Oh sweet bubbelah, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mama. I can see your expression in the beautiful picture you shared with us. I am so relieved that you and your sisters were able to be with her and guide her home. She is on the wings of the angels now. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this monumental loss. May her name be for a blessing . Much love and hugs.

  212. Oh my darlings, a bright star has risen much higher in the firmament. All my love, all my sorrow, all my remembrances of her big smile that has graced these pages. Sit in the sunshine and let the birds speak to you today. xxooxx

  213. Oh Mary Ann-I am so sorry. I an so glad that you got to be with her this weekend and I know she was waiting for you to come before she left this earth,knowing that she was well loved and well taken care of by all of her girls.

  216. I’m so sorry, Mary Ann. Sending you warm, Florida hugs. ((((())))) Thank you for sharing that gorgeous picture of your mom as a young woman.

  218. Sending Love + comfort amidst your time of sad loss. A blessing you were able to be with her. Thank you for having shared her brightness. xxx

  221. I am sorry for your loss, but thankfull for your so just in time trip to say goodbye to her…. Poke around in the garden, she will wave at you…

  223. What a beautiful, exquisite thing it is to be invited to glimpse the love that you and your mom and sisters share. I am humbled and honored at the treasure and hope for you and all your beloveds that the love continues to pulse deeply in your veins. As if it could be any other way.
    xoxox

  224. Hi, I am very honored to have met your mother through your blog and your sisters. A great family, and you all are mama’s best work! You did the right thing, going so she could know you were all there, for the long hours of vigil.
    And you’re doing the right thing to sit in the garden for your very own process that you share with your sisters.
    It’s time for rest. Reflection comes right along with it.
    Candles are lit here.

  225. My heart breaks for you, Mary Ann. I’m so glad you got to say goodbye. I hope all of your wonderful memories of your mother will help you through this difficult time. Love to you and your family.

  226. What a gorgeous, gorgeous picture. Those eyes and that smile are just delightful. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Ann. I’ve loved reading your posts about her and your family. God bless. xoxo

  229. So sorry for your loss. We all have followed her journey and I am crying for someone I never met in person but have grown to love. Thank you Moss sisters for sharing your mom and your love for her with all of us.

  230. My condolences to you and your family Mary Ann. I am so glad you had the chance to go out to see her this weekend and to say goodbye. All the best to you as you go through the letting go process now… and thank you for sharing this with us all.

  231. your mother flew home with you to be forever close to you…..I hope you are at peace and perhaps she will be at peace too.

  233. I’m so sorry, Mary Ann. So glad you were there with her one last time, though. That’s a beautiful portrait of her. Thanks for sharing all of this with us and know we’re all thinking of you and Carol and Dottie and your brother.

  235. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Ann. What a blessing that you were able to visit this weekend. And thank you for letting us know. I’ve thought of you and your family all weekend. xo

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