BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen

Subject: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 10:35 AM

I just wanted to let folks know that I'll be away from the Cat for several days. One of my sisters called to say that my Mother passed away at 8:30 this morning. We were blessed to celebrate her 99th birthday on June 5th, so we have many wonderful memories of the last time we were with her. Of the many things I am indebted to my Mother for, music is certainly one. She loved to sing around the house, and her love of hymns and gospel songs has been passed on to my sisters and me, and to the next generation.

For those of you who have expressed your love and concern these last few weeks, I am deeply appreciative. You know that when we get back, the Cat will be one of the first places that I come to. There are friends to keep the coffee brewing at the Kitchen Table thread, and I'll need a cup when I get back.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: alanabit
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 10:45 AM

You knew it was going to happen one day, but there is never a good time for your mother to die. I'll be thinking of you. May her memory be with you forever.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 10:46 AM

Oh, Jerry. I offer you my condolences and sorrow. I remember your posting about her birthday and was so impressed, though not surprised judging by her son, by what a remarkable woman she was. Keep your memories near for they can be a comfort, even when the passing is expected.

In sympathy,

Kat

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: JennyO
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 10:47 AM

Oh Jerry, we knew this time would come, and you can be proud that you were a great son to her right to the end. We are all thinking of you. Come back when you can. We'll keep the coffee brewing at the kitchen table.

I hope there's a good bingo game going up there that she can join in ;-)

Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: jeffp
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 10:49 AM

My most sincere sympathies, Jerry. She raised a good son.

Jeff

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Wesley S
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 10:54 AM

My condolences too. That's always a tough loss.Via Con Dios.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:04 AM

Bless her, Jerry.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: GUEST,Big Jim From Jackson
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:19 AM

You have my deepest sympathy, Jerry. Having lost my mother in recent years, I know how tough it is to recognize the simple fact that her physical presance, always a comfort, is no longer there. But the memories of her will carry you through the sadness of her passing. Sing some of her favorite songs as you return home. Each is a little piece of her that she has left behind for you to keep in your heart.

Jim

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:30 AM

Thinking of you and your family at this time. Your mother's sojourn on earth is preserved in you and your sons, and in your stories and songs. Esther is a beautiful name. A queen of her people is a perfect image.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:33 AM

So sorry to hear this Jerry. Heartfelt sympathies from Elaine and me.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:49 AM

I'm sorry to read this, but am glad to be able to say that there will be numerous familiar objects and occasions to trigger memories and stories, times when she will come alive again for you. I hope you'll share some of those with us when you're ready.

Stilly River Sage

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Ernest
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:50 AM

My condolences too, Jerry. Apart from everything we don`t know raising a son like you made her a grand woman!
Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: SussexCarole
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:53 AM

Such sad news. Our thoughts are with you Jerry & Ruth

Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:54 AM

I can't wait for the song. Esther raised a lovely human being, who is able to capture profound thoughts and express them in beautiful ways. I have said before that I can tell much about a person by their children. Esther, bless your heart, you must have been a remarkable woman. I read your son's words, and I am always in respectful awe of his gentle spirit, his understanding of the human condition, and his respect for those around him. It is no wonder he is universally respected. Good job, Mom. You will be rewarded richly for the way you trod the path. Don't forget to keep touching your son's soul, and inspiring him to tell the stories in word and song.

God be good to her.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: GUEST,Janie
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:57 AM

I'm very sorry, Jerry. Blessings.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 11:58 AM

I'm so sorry Jerry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:05 PM

Jerry, my condolences, too, for your loss. Your mother is with you, and will remain, in so many ways. As you walk through these next few days, I know you will be blessed abundantly. I'll look forward to a hot cup around the table when you return. In the meantime, know that we're all thinking of you. Sending lots of love to you, Ruth and your family.
KT

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Leadfingers
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:08 PM

My condolences too Jerry !

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:17 PM

Jerry, I got a sneaking suspicion that she's up there singing her heart out and she'd want you and yours to do the same. Raise a joyful sound, just as she did, and know that all of our thoughts are with you.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:29 PM

Jerry, heartfelt condolences. As KT says - she's with you, and always will be, where it matters.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:36 PM

Thanks, all... I'm doing all the mundane stuff you need to do when this happens, and it's a blessing. One thing that my Mother was looking forward to was seeing her Mother, who died when Mom was 13.
You know there's a party going on, right now.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:38 PM

A party well earned!!!

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: open mike
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:41 PM

reunions are one of the good things that comes out of one's passing.
To be re-united with loved ones who are living and share our memories
of those gone beyond is a good thing. May you treasure your memories
and hold her in your heart. reunions above and below!

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: gnu
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:44 PM

Thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:45 PM

I am sorry you have lost her, Jerry. Celebrate her 99 years.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Mooh
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:49 PM

Our hopes and prayers for you and yours now Jerry. It's a tough time but eventually the hurt goes away and leaves only fond memories. Take care.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 02:04 PM

Thanks, Open (May I call you Open?)

There is much to be celebrated, these days. A couple of months ago, that intrepid (but charmingly inept) big game hunter, Elmer Fudd encouraged me to start writing down family memoirs, as it was clear that My mother didn't have long to live. That encouragement was a beautifully timed blessing. Last year, I did a Family Album Of Songs for my Mother for her birthday. It was a combination of family photos, rembrances and lyrics to songs that I've written about my childhood (and my Mother's, too.) That led to a workshop of the same title that I did at NOMAD last year. This time around, the emphasis has shifted a little, but I've been writing a book that is memories, photographs and songs, with the "memories" greatly expanded. I've written over 50 pages now, and shared them with my Mother, my sisters, other family members and several other Catter friends, through the Kitchen Table thread. It's something that I'd strongly encourage people to do. Much of what I've written is drawn from writings and letters from the early 80's, when I spent a lot of time talking with my Mother and Father about their early life. I have a couple of cherished letters from my Mother remembering the years when she was growing up on the farm, and scattered letters from Uncles and former neighbors of my Father talking about his youth.

These last two months, I've been sending off the pages as I write them, and even though Mom couldn't see well enough to read them, she has a dear angel of a friend who would read to her every night. It was something that my Mother really looked forward to, and she had many conversations with my sisters about those letters. Last week, I sent her a copy of the recent CD that I produced on my own, which had three songs that grew out of memories of the early days of our family. The day before she died, her friend put on the CD, which had just arrived, and my Mother had a wonderful time listening to it.

Yesterday, my oldest sister, who has been incapacitated almost completely for the last several months was finally well enough to have her husband take her out to the assisted living complex where my Mother lived. How beautiful that my sister and Mother had a chance for one last visit. The next day, she was gone.

Savor the moment.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Cool Beans
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 02:07 PM

My condolences, Jerry, to you and your family.
Marty

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Maryrrf
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 02:07 PM

So sorry to hear this, Jerry. My condolences.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Mooh
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 02:18 PM

Spent last (Thanksgiving) weekend with family and one of our jobs was to go through my mother's stuff and decide what to keep and what to donate. She had some great music which I rescued, and box after box of books. These sorts of things remind us of who she really was, how she thought, what she believed, what she dreamed, who she loved. Opening these memories was both heart-wrenching and heart-warming.

It is so hard at the time of loss to put everything in place, but the opportunity to do so later helps mend and heal.

Jerry, savour the moment indeed! I'm glad you know to do that.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 02:37 PM

"We were blessed to celebrate her 99th birthday"

Wow... that's one hell of a good run!

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Amergin
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 02:46 PM

Maybe, Jerry, she was waiting for that visit from your sister.

I am glad that you have so any fond memories to treasure and to pass down...whisper her name and she'll not be far away.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Raptor
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 03:59 PM

Jerry I'm sorry man.
I'm losing my mother as we speak to a nasty cancer of the throat!

Raptor

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 04:25 PM

Thoughts and sympathies from Plaistow too. Sounds like Someone was prodding you and your sister, glad you had the chance.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 04:32 PM

Jerry, I'm so sorry. Never ready to lose yer mum.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: kendall
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 04:50 PM

Sad news indeed my friend. All I can say is, knowing you, I'd say "She done good."

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Amos
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 05:26 PM

Condolences, amigo. This will take some passing and some time to catch up. Go safely, with an open heart, and come back soon.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Pompy
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 05:35 PM

Sorry to hear about your loss Jerry. My thoughts are with you.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: InOBU
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 05:48 PM

Oh Jerry dear friend, holding thee and thine dearly in the light.
Thine as ever
lor

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: billybob
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 06:06 PM

Lighting a candle.
God bless you and your family Jerry.
We have never met, but, reading your posts about your family I know you are blessed and have so many more wonderful memories of your mother to share.Your in our thoughts.
Wendy and Billy

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: karen k
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 06:38 PM

Jerry and Ruth,
My condolences for the loss of your mother Esther. Wish I could have known her. How wonderful that you have been able to share your music and your writing with her recently. I'm sure that that helped her greatly get through her last months with a smile on her face and in her heart. She raised a wonderful son.

Hope to see you both soon.

Much love,
karen

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: GUEST, Ebbie
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 06:56 PM

Jerry, as an habitue of your Kitchen Table, I've followed the course of this adventure. Another page of your life has turned and been left behind and although in some ways you will be the poorer for it in other ways you'll find in its completion lovely things that will always remain with you. I feel both sad and joyful for you and your mum.

(Raptor, I am so sorry. Take care of yourself.)

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 06:58 PM

Jerry,
So sorry to hear about your mother. Sending a hug to you and Ruth, even though it's only a virtual one.
Tami

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 08:16 PM

Real sorry to read this, Jerry... Parents are hard to loose...

Prayers from this end...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 08:22 PM

Much love,
Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Alice
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 10:09 PM

My sympathy to you and your family, Jerry. Take care. alice

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 12:57 AM

Dear Jerry -

My deepest condolences. You are a generous spirit. Losing a parent at any age is a sad occasion. What's so important is that you were on such good terms. That's the way to leave this earth; with the love of your family.

All my best,

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 01:00 AM

I always hate to come back and find something like this.......Jerry, my best thoughts and heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. I think Clinton's comment above spoke, in his own inimitable way, volumes: "Wow... that's one hell of a good run!"..........and though it is always hard at the end, it certainly was a good run.

My Mom died at 43 and my Dad a few years later at 53. When I was 22 I had only a couple of cousins left so I am always a bit envious of those who have their parents around for a long time. I'm happy for you that you have been getting the tales down for the future......May the memories everflow and overflow.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 03:58 AM

"Poppa's goin' to wake me up early in the morning
While the dew's on the meadow and the stars still shine
You gotta get up early if you want to get going
'Fore the sun is coming up on Caroline"

It's four o'clock in the morning here, and an hour earlier on Caroline St, in Wisconsin where I was born and grew up (as much as anyone grows up in their teens. The dew is on the meadow up here in Derby, and the stars are shining brightly. We're on our way now on a journey none want to take, but I feel peaceful. All will be well again.

Thanks for all the well-wishes, thoughts and prayers..

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: GUEST,Partridge
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 06:11 AM

Love unites us all no matter where we are.

much love to you Jerry,

Pat xxx

Subject: Lyr Add: A BEAUTIFUL LIFE
From: freda underhill
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 07:33 AM

she's gone to the place where there's no setting sun, Jerry. What a beautiful road she walked - here's a song for her!

A Beautiful Life

Each day I'll do a golden deed,
By helping those who are in need;
My life on earth is but a span,
And so I'll do the best I can.

Refrain:
Life's evening sun is sinking low,
A few more days, and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done,
Where there will be no setting sun.

To be a child of God each day,
My light must shine along the way;
I'll sing His praise while ages roll,
And strive to help some troubled soul.

The only life that will endure,
Is one that's kind and good and pure;
And so for God I'll take my stand,
Each day I'll lend a helping hand.

I'll help someone in time of need,
And journey on with rapid speed;
I'll help the sick and poor and weak,
And words of kindness to them speak.

While going down life's weary road,
I'll try to lift some trav'ler's load;
I'll try to turn the night to day,
Make flowers bloom along the way.

She taught you well, Jerry

best wishes

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: fat B****rd
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 02:19 PM

Please accept my condolences.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Tootler
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 06:58 AM

Sorry to hear of your Mother's death, Jerry.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 11:08 AM

Jerry, did mention that your mother and mine had the same first name? Folks, if you want to raise GREAT girls to the WONDERFUL women, name 'em "Esther."

Ain't no better examples around.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Pistachio
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 01:19 PM

I don't know you Jerry but please accept my sympathy from across the ocean.

Hazel.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 04:42 PM

Jerry, sorry for the delay.
My sincerest sympathy and condolences on your loss.

Seamus

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: frogprince
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 07:42 PM

"We grieve not as those with no hope"; which is not to belittle the pain of parting for now, and the missing, and the moments when you will feel like calling up to share some moment of joy. Condolences, from a stranger who feels that he knows a good man just a little.
                               Dean.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 08:15 PM

Jerry, she seems like she was a great lady! Were my mother still alive she would be 100, but she died at 63. Like yours she had a great love of music and song, so I can relate and feel for you!
With sympathy,
       Sandy

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: GLoux
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 10:46 AM

Jerry,

It is indeed so sad to say goodbye to your mother. You were really blessed to have her for 99 years. Your memory of her is a treasure.

Condolences,
-Greg

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 02:40 AM

Deep and very sincere condolences Jerry.

Whatever one seems to say in these circumstances seems clumsy and inadequate. Still I suppose an internet page is just the format for us to be our clumsy inadequate selves.

We all value the way in which your music and the gentle decency of your contributions to mudcat enrich our lives Jerry, and if there were some bypassing of the tears, I know everybody and each one of us would be rushing to point out the way.

Lots of us will thinking of you.

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 02:53 AM

We're thinking of you, Jerry, and of Ruth, and the boys (who are no longer boys). We are so glad you got to make that final visit. Caroline and I went down to Virginia to visit my father on his 100th birthday and were glad we did when he died three months later. I'll always remember him telling me, "The last few years haven't been much fun." Sometimes it must be best to simply let go. As the songs says: "Sleep on, Beloved; sleep and take your rest."
    With all our love,
    Sandy and Caroline

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Grab
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 07:39 AM

All the best for you and your family while you come to terms with this. Às Clinton says, 99 years of music and family is a damn good run. Nothing you can do better while you're here than pass on your loves to other people, and see it spread out further from there. I hope she knew that she'd made a difference.

Graham.

PS. My "Mildly Inappropriate Connections Module" has just set off "99 red balloons" on continuous play in my head. Which is kind of odd, but kind of nice at the same time. :-/

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Azizi
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 08:27 AM

My condolences, Jerry and your family.

May your happy memories of your mother console you and make you smile.


Positive vibrations,

Azizi

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Col K
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 06:25 PM

My deepest sympathy goes to both you and all your family at the loss of such a treasured member of it.
I know that you will find strength from the Lord and from all your friends here on the Cat.
Thinking of you at this time,
Colin

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 01:24 AM

Our prayers are with you, Jerry.

Stephen Lee Rich

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: bfdk
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 04:14 AM

Jerry,

I'm so sad to hear about your loss, my thoughts are with you. You were lucky and blessed, though, to be allowed to have her around for that long.

Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Jeanie
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 12:10 PM

Thinking of you, Jerry, and all your family.
With Love,
- jeanie

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: Esther Rasmussen
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Oct 06 - 11:06 PM

There are so many of you who have offered kind words, enc ouragement and prayers on thsi thread, the kitchen table thread and PMs that I can't poossibly thank all of you individually. And yet, each expression of concern and support have meant a great deal.

I got back tonight and posted this on the kitchen table thread, so I'll add it here. My Mother was cremated and it wasn't until yesterday afternoon that we buried her ashes. This morning, I woke up early and these thoughts ran through my minds. Don't ask me where a line like "Love is not like a bicycle" came from. Maybe it was a subconscious rejection of all the Happiness Is A Warm Puppy Halmark sentiments that I found a little on the empty side.

Love is definitely nothing like a bicycle

Love Is Not Like A Bicycle

Love is not like a bicycle
You can't sit on it or ride it
It is not of the physical world

Love may be expressed through words
But words are not love

Actions speak louder than words
But actions are not love

Love is not limited by time or space
Love is omnipresent

Love is God and God is love
In loving, we touch divinity

On Friday, October 13th, my Mother died
But her love didn't die
Neither did our love for her

True love never dies

I'm doing pretty good. with a lot yet to sort out. I brought home a big box of old photographs and am continuing to write a book of family memoirs and songs. Even got an expression of itnerest in carrying and publicizing the book I haven't yet written...

Thanks for everything.

The Cat is a good place to be

Jerry