IF YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING NICE, THEN YOU SHOULDN'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.
This is a phrase I’ve heard often in my lifetime. First from my grandmother (my mom’s mom) and then, later in life, from my mom. That one comment, in essence, became the foundation for this publication. Weary of the constant flow of negative news surrounding our region we decided to produce a publication that ‘practiced what we preached’ (another phrase oft heard in our household). With the sole intent of reporting the many positive news stories in an area so accustomed to the negative, we developed Piedmont Magazine, your positive voice. However, for this issue, I’m making a slight exception, not so much negative news but sad news. You see, I lost my mom, Elaine Corns, this past June. After fighting the good fight she lost her battle at 1:05 AM on Monday morning, June the 23rd.
LIFE CHANGES
It’s easy to focus on the negative under these type of circumstances. One’s mind races forward and thoughts of how my life and the lives of my dad, brother and sister and their families would be changed forever without our mom. I think how no holiday or family gathering will ever be the same, how so many things I hear or see during the course of a day will bring a flood of memories along with a flood of tears. But I happened across a devotional that stated “You see my suffering; you know my trouble” and it brings comfort to know that we seldom walk the valleys of life alone. Whether it’s our faith, our family or our friends, it brings comfort to know that there is always a consoling presence in our lives. Whether it’s my faith in knowing that for everything there is a reason, or having that neighbor or friend who has experienced the same difficulty in life to say, “I know your trouble. I’ve been there and experienced it.” It brings reassurance to know that others have survived similar heartache and created new memories to fill the void left by loss.
When I think about my mom’s gentleness, memories of her sweet spirit, love and guidance through the years, it helps me to realize how blessed I have been to have her for a mom.
THANKING OTHERS
And while this has been the most difficult time in my life, there have been positive moments. We have developed some wonderful new relationships with caregivers and supporters.
My family and I want to thank the entire staff of the cardiac surgery intensive care unit at Richmond’s Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. What a tremendous collection of compassionate, skilled professionals who maintained vigilant care for mom during her six-weeks there. And while there were many doctors, nurses and support staff that tended to mom’s needs, there were a few who went beyond the role of caregiver and became friends. Friends who offered support, advice and concern, not just for mom, but for our family as well. Dana, Katie, Jenni, Linda, Melissa, Tim, Dr. Gunnerson and Dr. Kasirajan, we sincerely thank-you for all that you did, all that you said and the efforts that you made. In my heart of hearts I truly believe no one could have tried any harder.
Also, thanks to Kelly Ratcliff and the staff of Community Funeral Home in Stuart. Their compassion and professionalism made the situation at-hand bearable. Their concern for our well-being made all the difference in the world.
THE BEST MOMENTS IN YOUR LIFE ARE STILL WITH YOU.
On my first day back in the office, I went to a particular web site that carries the days headlines, weather and a assortment of news and notes, and there, in the upper left-hand corner, was the “Thought For The Day”. While not a regular read for me, that day’s headline caught my attention.
The best moments you have ever known are still with you. All the happiness and joy you have ever experienced is a part of you. Circumstances change but the good things, which you’ve known, never go away.
You are today, the same person you were on the happiest day you’ve ever experienced. Joy is cumulative and persistent. Life will often attempt to drag you down and when it does, think of the best moments you have ever known. They are still with you and there are many more to come.
Joy is more than the pleasure of the moment. It is an affirmation that life is very much worth living. It may sometimes get covered up, but it never goes away. Keep it with you and add to it all that you can.
We miss you Mom and we thank-you for the many happy memories you’ve given us. And while we will make new memories, we promise to practice what we preach and to only say nice things. -PM
Gary Corns Publisher |
