Wednesday, October 5, 2011

A sad day.

Anyone who has read my blog for any time (like, oh, the past 4 years) knows what an integral part this young lady has played in the lives of my children, and ultimately in my family! She is the fifth amigo!

Mary Allison has been babysitting my kids since she, herself, was a kid at the ripe old age of 12. We started out doing the only on Sunday deal. She has worked right on up to our all summer sitter, now that she's 16. ANd believe me, I don't just let "anyone" drive my kids around!! She has been there for their birthday parties. ALL of them!

I don't think there's been a family vacation that she's missed out on!

I can totally count on Mary Allison to have the best intention of my kids in mind when she is with us on the beach!

She loves them like they are hers. And I love her like she is mine!

She is a beautiful girl... outwardly it is apparent, but inwardly she is even MORE beautiful! This girl shines!

Mary Allison is always quick to help me out. She is quick to give a hug to my babies, or a bandaid when they are "pretend" hurt!

She is a friend to many!

And my girls absolutlely adore her!

Mary Allison also has a sister, Elaina. Elaina has been in Baton Rouge for the past few years and is an LSU tiger! She is a very driven young lady and seems to be a goal setter and lets nothing deter her from capturing her dreams. I am most impressed with the both of them!

Kids don't just grow up the way Mary Allison and her sister have. They are responsible, moral, Christian, caring young women.


And for me, that means one thing... they had good upbringing!! Their mama and daddy had them in church, made sure they knew their manners, and kept them out of harm's way, even when "all the kids were doing it".As I think back to how much of a role Mary Allison has had in mine and my kids' lives, I am a bit overwhelmed. She made SURE she would be the volunteer in Ellie's dancing class at the recital this year!! Her mama, Pam, or "Pammy" to my girls, was there to volunteer as well.


And this is Elaina, the oldest Mitchell girl.

I just wanted to make sure that the world knew that kids these days don't just happen to be great kids. They have parents who helped them along their journey, that made them who they have become. Pam Mitchell was such a mama!! Pammy was stern, yet just. She wanted the best for her kids, but never at the expense of their reputation or sacrificing any moral ground.


These girls respected and loved their mama very much. And I happen to know that there was nothing in the world Pam loved more than her beautiful girls. We discussed many times how blessed we were to have two girls. She was my "mentor" of sorts for how to raise good girls in today's society. So it is with a very heavy heart that I have to tell you that Pam went to be with Jesus yesterday. We will be partaking in her visitation this evening (which also happens to be the very day that my sweet Jake earned his wings 5 years ago today), and we will lay her to rest tomorrow afternoon.

My life was forever changed by Pam. She touched those to whom she came in contact. Everyone loved her. She was gregarious! And LOVED her girls!! I pray that they will forever know that. And I just know that she is rocking my nephew tonight.

Hug your family tonight. Know that Jesus loves you. And pray for strength for Mary Allison, Elaina, and their dad, Jay, in the days to come.


I love you, MA,



Mo

51 comments:

Mama J said...

There is nothing more to add but to say but that it is every mother's desire to leave that kind of legacy behind when God takes us home. Please share our love, our prayers, our broken hearts with "Mallison' and her sister and know that we are praying for a peace for all. MAMA J

Becky said...

I am so sorry to hear of this sad loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and MA's family, especially today on Jake's angel-versary!

Amy K said...

There are no words. Lifting all of you up in prayer - healing for your shattered hearts.

Marti said...

No words- just prayers for you all.

Zhohn said...

So very sorry for everyone. What an AMAZING post.

Prayers for you, Mart Allison, their entire family and the community.

Many, many hugs!

Amber said...

May God bring peace to you and your family. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Jenny said...

What a beautiful post, Mo! Lifting you and your friends up in prayers!!! Jenny

Sharidrew said...

A sad day indeed! Prayers sent your way. May God grant comfort during this terrible time.

hugs from Missouri,
Shari

Theresa Shirley said...

I am so sorry to hear about this. It sounds like she was a wonderful lady! My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. I know you will be sharing lots of love with Mary Allison. What a precious young lady she is!

Kimie said...

I know your heart is very heavy and I am praying for you and Mary Allison's family. Life makes no sense sometimes, but we know the ONE who does. I pray peace that passes all understanding over each one affected by Pam's death. Love you!

SamC said...

I am so sorry. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Diana said...

Hi Mo ~ Oh those poor girls - how very sad. There just never is a good time to lose your Mother, no matter how old you are.
My thoughts and prayers are with the girls, their Dad and all of you. Thank God they have you & that you are so close - what a blessing.
Take care of those girls and we will be praying.
Diana from Colorado

Renee said...

Hugs to all of you. MA will need you Mo. I know you will be there for her.

Unknown said...

Oh, this just breaks my heart. I will be praying.

Bj said...

May the peace that passes all understanding be with this sweet and special family......huggers for all, BJ

Pepper said...

With tears in my eyes and sadness in my heart, please tell Allison and her family we are praying for them. I know how hard it is to lose a parent. And Mo, praying for y'all too. Unfortunately, I know what an empty place Jake has left in your hearts. Those anniversary dates are never easy for me.

snekcip said...

Truly, truly a sad day. I have had the honor of meeting this beautiful young lady this past summer. Indeed she is a beautiful person both inside and out. I had no hesitation about having her for my "temporary babysitter" that weekend.
You have a compassionate heart and a born nurterer. Something that is rarely seen in the youth of today. Mary Allison you are destined for great things. Although I did not get to meet your wonderful mother it is without a doubt she was as beautiful as you and your sister, Elaina. My heart, my tears, my prayers are with you and your family in the difficult days ahead.

With sincerest of sympathy from Beaumont, TX.....D

brienna said...

Praying and praying.

jmckemie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susantwilhelm said...

Praying for all of you today, sweet Mel. Hugs to Mary Allison and her sister. God has placed you in their life for a reason -- you are there for each other.

jmckemie said...

I can see her love for her daughters in your words. And all MoJoy readers know of your love for MA. When there are no answers for tragedies like this, it is a blessing they have friends - family, really - like you and Todd to comfort them. All while you grieve the loss of your friend as well. Prayers for all of you as you walk through these next days and try and make sense of it all. Hold tight to those girls-yours and hers-and remember the wonderful person she was and the great legacy of love and friendship she left behind. Praying I soon see pics of MA with that beautiful sparkle back in her eye, living life abundantly, just as her momma would want.

Marilyn Reynolds said...

Thoughts and prayers for your family and Mary Allison....

nineisenuff said...

There are no words . . .
But I will pray for all of them, and for you.

Kristin said...

I wish I had something profound to say that would take away the pain everyone is feeling. I don't, but please know that I am thinking of all of you and holding you close to my heart.

Sam said...

I am so sorry! It breaks my heart for you all! I will be praying for everyone today!

Sam Gleason

kimybeee said...

please give maason a hug from me - i am so sorry that you all lost just a wonderful friend!!!

Lisa O. said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend!! Prayers to you and her family!!

randybethmo said...

Your entry just left me with "God Bumps" and tears. Will keep you all in our prayers!!!

Shannon said...

Prayers are coming from Nebraska. May God comfort all of you.

Jodi said...

I am so sorry to hear about Pam's passing! My heart breaks for her beautiful girls and those left behind to mourn her loss. I wish I had something more profound too add. Sending thoughts and hugs to all! Losing someone so cherished is hard to begin with, but a sudden, unexpected loss, that's a tough one! Take care! Thinking about Jake and your family today, as well!

Mandy said...

This is just heartbreaking! Sending prayers to you all.

Sandy P said...

I just can no come up with words. My heart breaks for all of you. Please tell MA that we will be praying for her now and in the months to come. I will also pray for you. MA is blessed to have you and your family. I pray your house will be a refuge for her.

jenny said...

Praying for this sweet family here in Idaho.

Maggie said...

My heart breaks for Mary Allison and her sister. Please tell them that people are thinking of them and praying for them from coast to coast.

It is remarkable to think that I have watched her reach so many milestones, even just through what you have chosen to share ... Sundays at your house, helping you move, birthday parties at The Spot, turning 16!, getting her license, starting high school... and now the most cruel mile stone of all. As others have said, there are just no words.

Everyone is "too young" to loose a parent, regardless of their age. All I can hope is that Mary Allison and her family will feel that they are loved and will find comfort in each other as they learn how to live an new kind of life.

Jodi said...

My friend lives in the area and was talking about this terrible incident (after I read your post) and I put the pieces together and realized it was MA's Mom. It sounds like they lost her brother (MA's uncle) not too long ago (within the last six weeks?) as well. Good thoughts and hugs from across the country are being sent their way! What a tragic loss.

Kris said...

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a caring, loving mom. Praying for you all as you walk this path.

Kimmy said...

With tears and heavy heart in Georgia, we are praying for all of you.

Kim said...

There are no words. Absolutely beautiful post today ~ may the arms of comfort wrap tightly around all those that Pam touched. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Christy said...

so sorry to hear about this. I will keep the entire family in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will be there for Mary Allison..she is so blessed to have someone has wonderful and supportive as you in her life.
praying for all of you.
:(

Belinda said...

Im with all the rest...no words! Please know that I am praying for everyone!

Angie R. said...

So very sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you!! God Bless!

crystal said...

Wonderful tribute to a kind hearted and sweet lady and her beautiful girls. Big hugs to you and the rest of the both families.

Jennifer Smith said...

So very sad to hear this news. Praying for peace and healing for you all.

Cassie12 said...

Mo....I am so very sad and heartbroken for MA and her family. Praying for peace for them as they go thru this difficult time. Thinking of you too as this must be so hard for you....this was a beautiful post that you wrote. I've been thinking about little Jake all day long today.
Hug.
Susan

Emily said...

you are all in my thoughts and prayers...

Kaia said...

Praying with a heavy heart for peace and comfort for the family!

Jeni said...

Sorry my comment posted under Jessica's wedding. Not sure how I managed to do that?

Since reading your post this morning I have been thinking about Mary Allison all day. Her mother sounds like an amazing woman. Sending prayers tonight for ALL of you!

Anonymous said...

My heart breaks for Mary Allison and her family. May the God of great peace and love surround all of you. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

snekcip said...

Oh Mo. I read the article and it brought back memories of young lady who suffered a similar tragic incident. I once worked at a pharmacy and I saw "firsthand" how these Rx meds can totally be abused and transform a person....TOTALLY! I watched a WONDERFUL LOVING and CARING WIFE/MOM transform before my very eyes. I held my breath every time she came in "totally incoherent" w/3young kids in tow. They were 6, 4 and 1 at the time. We would make her "stay put" until we could get a hold of her husband (who was at work) to come and get her. We were afraid she would kill herself, kids or someone else while driving. She would have a 30day supply of this "certain med" and on day 31 she would come in with a NEW Rx to fill more!! I watched in horror as she "popped the meds" before even exiting the store. Much to our urging/pleading she would not bring the kids w/her. However, we knew that she probably drove with them under the influence of those meds at other times. That prove to be the truth. One afternoon while driving enroute to pick them up from daycare, she passed out at the wheel and drove thru a fence and hit a tree. Sadly...she never made it to those sweet babies. We all think that "street drugs" are deadly...sadly "certain Rx meds" are even more deadly. The scary things is "they are legal" what's UNLEGAL is the Dr's that write these Rx's out knowing full well they are not being used for the manner in which they were presribed. I saw the same Dr's prescribe them over and over. As long as the Rx are "legal" the pharmacist fills them! Just last year they had a crackdown on local Dr's who abuse their "authority" of administering these Rx's to ppl. They would literally have lines outside their offices by 6am. The office did not open until 8am! They have known to move to rural areas to "keep the visibility" of their operation on the "hush"! I as well implore ANYBODY, if you see this sort of abuse going on, notify the media anybody who can draw attention of this growing epidemic. We are losing far too many of our loved one, behind nothing more than a $$$$. We should also check on our teens, yes...this happens to our young ppl too. Check your med cabinets! Dispose of old pain meds (from dentist offices especially)!!

Sorry to use this as a platform for my anger. But darnit...I am angry! I'm angry that a husband has lost a beautiful wife, 2 beautiful young ladies have lost a great wonderful mother, a community have lost a great friend.

It's unethical, its wrong and sadly it's too late to save a great woman.

If you find yourself or see yourself in this situation, get help now...Please. If not for yourself...do it for the ones you love. Please.

Beth E. said...

I've had Mary Alison and her family on my mind ever since you first shared with me about Pam's death. Please let them know that many, many people are praying for them. Praying for you, too, Mel. I know this has been difficult for you, also.

Hugs...

MLP said...

Oh Mo...I just read this. I am so heartbroken to read this. I've come to love Mary Allison, too...of course through your blog and even by being her Facebook friend. I am praying...and I will continue to pray for her and her entire family.