Sample Eulogy - Mother

What can I say about my Mom? For those of you that knew my mom, she was not only the life of the party but often the reason for the party. She use to always say to us "Don't be so serious, life is too short, just have fun".

In her late 30's, Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. As some of you may know, Parkinson's disease affects the brain and muscular control of the person that has the disease. I remember when Mom was diagnosed over 15 years ago, she was firm, gentle, hopeful, yet well aware of the way her life was changing. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, and over the years that followed her diagnosis, I admired her spirit and the way she woke up each day, drove us kids to school, and was standing at the door smiling when we got home from school.

Over the last few years, we all saw how her health deteriorate. Her spirit of fun, and zest for life was always present. She insisted on being present at all family functions whether it was a graduation ceremony, a friend's wedding, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas, or just a regular Saturday family gathering.

On our last night with our mom, we spent the whole night praying with her. She was always a spiritual person, and I know it was her faith that helped her through those last few months. When I left my mom that night, she called my name as I walked out the door. When I turned around, she just smiled, and I know she had made and found her peace with Life.

As I was cleaning out her house, I found this poem in her nightstand. I wanted to share it with you all.

Poem of Life
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the Lord.

Author Unknown

I think this poem gives us an inside look into how our mom viewed the world both in life and death. It has provided our family with great comfort. I know that as we all gather today, our Mom is with us. She would not have missed the Party.