Love Wins

Hi Everyone,

Okay, I'm going to get right to it.  Right now I really don't know any other way.  My son Hank passed away. Many of you already know this, but some of you may not.  My boy is gone, March 1, 2023, and here I am, not waiting for him to come home.

It's been a long time since I wrote a blog and got personal, but now just seems like the right time to jump in. I am challenged beyond anything I have ever experienced and yes, here I am, in the game and doing my best because, well, Hank would have it no other way.

He was my life, my heart, my love, and my joy.  He journeyed with me for almost 33 years, and I am blessed beyond measure to have been his mother.  He lived a big fat life, and for that I feel proud and grateful.  So very proud of him for his courage and tenacity, his joy and his spirit.  So grateful because he taught me so much, and showed me what love truly is.

Hank would want me to keep on keepin' on and so I am.  I cry a lot, talk to him a lot, and say to his dad a lot, "Where's Hank?  Where the heck is he?" because it just seems so unbelievable that he is not here...not physically here.

Among so many other things, Hank was a true example of what natural healing and allopathic medicine combined can do.  Sadly, we have a long way to go with any true integration in the two fields (my dream would be to see naturopathic docs working right along side allopathic's with full mutual respect to find the best solutions).  We worked hard to support Hank's health in every way we could find so that he could lead the most vibrant life possible.  Even in his last days, his joy sparks flew so often in the hospital that there were times I swear he was the one holding us up rather than the other way around.

Anyway,  there it is.  Hank's dad and I are extremely blessed to have each other, even though we haven't been together as a couple since Hank was three.  But we were 'Team Hank', and in our grieving we still are.  We are so grateful for the incredible abundance of love and support from family, friends, and so very many of you all.

As those of you know who were at Hank's service, we had this prayer card made up for Hank.  The story there is that a few Christmases ago Hank, his dad and I were enjoying breakfast at my sister Terry's.  We were having a pretty intense political discussion, talking and listening and learning.  Hank was an amazing listener, and he had strong political feelings. He was a non-verbal communicator, and one of the ways he communicated was through typing.  After Marty, Terry and I had finished going back and forth, I asked Hank if he had anything he would like to share.  Hank took a moment, then typed "Love Wins."

There you have it.

Bright Blessings to you all, and may you always let love win.

Maureen

11 Comments

  1. Maureen,
    That was so well expressed. Hank was your love and you were his for sure.
    He was so blessed to have you as his mom. You fought for him every day and I believe he is now your angel fighting for you.🥰
    ♥️♥️
    Patty
  2. My very true love and prayers and strength I send with love and always here for you. He was one of a kind as you both are. Love you...
  3. Karen A. Collins  06/05/2023 03:41 PM Central
    This brought tears to my eyes even though I don't know you and didn't know Hank. He was wise with his statement "Love wins" and wished everyone used that same wisdom. How much better would the world be? I know it will take time for you and Marty to recover but you guys had a gem with Hank. Wish we could all be so lucky!
    Love to you both,
    Karen
  4. Love winsđź©·
  5. mo,,,,expressed so well,,,,"team Hank" lives forever!! love wins!!
  6. Maureen, you are such a sweet soul. I know how much you loved Hank and I can’t even begin to imagine what it is like to lose a child. Hank is watching over you so keep talking to him because he’s listening to you. Such a good mom you always are… then and now… xoxo
  7. Beautiful. Hank was blessed, as are you and his Dad.
  8. Melissa Sullivan  06/04/2023 06:10 AM Central
    I could feel your love for Hank and his love for you in every photo. Time will heal but grieving takes time. Take good care of yourself. You deserve happiness. Sending you a hug. If you are ever in central NJ or want someone to spend a day in NYC, I am here for you.
  9. Michelle suttoni  06/04/2023 04:41 AM Central
    Thank you for sharing Maureen. Your son was right. Love does win!
  10. Beautifully said. It must be very hard to lose a child. You did your very best for him! Prayers and hugs.
  11. Mo and Marty, My heart aches daily for you both!! Grieving is a long, sad journey. As you head down the dark road, look up and say to Hank loudly, “Love Wins!”” Keep the blogs coming. It helps us all.
    Much love,
    Love,
    Kathy

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