Peace in Heaven Mom!

Two of Mom's favourite hymns were Amazing Grace and Peace Like A River.

Primary Progressive Aphasia is truly an extremely very cruel disease. After a fall in Mom's home we became aware of her diagnosis. I am thankful and blessed for the many years that I had with her by my side when she could still talk. Following her diagnosis she could speak less and less. It's a devastating and distressful disease. It was most sad when her voice and words were no longer...She could see and hear.... but lost her ability to speak and talk for herself. Covid came as a surprise but turned into a "blessing" for us! Her programs were cancelled and we were able to spend precious time at my home with my family. She was pampered with love. She always loved spending time with family and grandkids!

My Mom married the love of her life! They met at "Church Group". They set out together on a new path and Oakville became our home. Mom worked around the clock as a well respected "old school nurse", Dad became a successful business man. They started from scratch. My parents worked hard together to be "Canadian" and to take advantage of the freedom and opportunity that their parents wanted for them. They gave us "their best" at all times with what ever they had. They worked hard to give us a "Christian Education" and a "good life". We were raised with piles of Love, strong family morals and values. Life was not always a bowl of cherries... My mom was a "positive believer"and always looked out for her loved ones best interest... she was humble and always acted in good faith. We shared a favourite song by Abba called "I have a dream"... we believe in Angels! John, myself and our children have many fond and "happy family memories" from our "Haaksma home" on Bennington Gate. Many celebrations, parties, swimming with Family, friends, grand kids and Winston of course! Mom lived for and loved to spend time with her family and friends... she made everyone feel special and welcome.

Family was most important to Mom. From a very young age, Mom (Super Woman) would seamlessly pack everything up for the entire family and off we went to visit with grand parents! Pake/Beppa and Opa/ Oma. I loved visiting my grandparents! Surprisingly we always arrived together safely! It was a very long haul for all of us driving "to the country" ... the 4 of us kids felt like sardines jammed in the back seat. Dad played 8 tracks to lessen any whining. I recall stops on the side of the highway... if we didn't behave we would be threatened to be left behind haha! The trip was alway worth it!! We were eagerly greeted with love and hugs! It was like heaven! We gathered with Uncles and Tantes and hung out with our cousins. I remember Pake porridge, boiled eggs served in egg cups and best of all, "hagelslag" on buttered toast! I remember big beautiful gardens with dahlies, snap dragons, roses and an abundance of butterflies! Time at the farm was the best! Tractors, cows, fresh milk, pigs, chickens, dogs, kittens and caterpillars... oh my! Playing and fishing with my cousins at the "crick".... Sunday School, family reunions, weddings in the little white Church up the road. It was like "Little House on the Prairie" world.

My Mom wore her heart on her sleeve. She was beautiful inside and out. Our Mom was recognized and described by some as an "angel on earth" and "caregiver extraordinaire". She was a supportive Mother and referred to as a "Momma Bear" always defending her children and loved ones....she would never let anyone come between her or her children. Mom would never tolerate belittling or bad talk about anyone. Mom was humble, elegant, classy, nonjudgemental and most compassionate, she adored her family. She always looked for and found positive or good in everyone! She was an advocate for the elderly. I am thankful to have been by her side when she cared for my Grandparents as well as others we shared in our life together. She was genuine, sincere and most empathic.

She practised what she preached and respected "the golden rules"

"Actions speak louder than Words". Anna Haaksma "walked her talk"

Mom is missed but never forgotten...

"Love everyone, be kind to each other and always put your family first"!

A poem called "THE DASH"

By Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on the tombstone

From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

That they spent alive on earth

And now only those who loved them

Know what that little line is worth

For it matters not, how much we own,

The cars, the house, the cash:

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our Dash

So think about this long and hard

Are there things you would like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel

And be less quick to anger

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before

If we treat each other with respect

And more often wear a smile,

Remembering this special Dash

Might only last a little while

So, when your eulogy is being read

With your life's actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent YOUR Dash?