Bittersweet

[mallardman68]

Hey folks,

I haven't been on here in a little while, and haven't done any detecting in that same time span. But I went Sunday afternoon and there is a story to go with it.

For the past year I have been taking care of my mother who was battling brain cancer. I lost my job and subsequently my livelihood to an extent. I did painting work when time permitted and stayed close to home.
In June I got my metal detector for father's day and from day one mom was always saying "go detect", she would wake up in the morning saying that even on days when I had work to do. She would say "there is a treasure out there, now go find it for us". I even took her out on several occasions when she felt good enough to go, rolling her around in her wheelchair and letting her swing the machine while I dug.
Well things got worse in October and she ended up in the hospital, I hadn't even thought of the detector with her in ICU. As time progressed her condition yo-yo'ed back and forth from good days to bad and back to good days. But after battling pneumonia and emergency gall bladder surgery she was pretty weak. We were told her chances were very slim. This past Sunday I got up and was preparing to go visit her at the hospital when for some odd reason I had the urge to take the machine out, so I put it in the truck and off I went to the hospital. After visiting hours were over I decided to hit a schoolyard that me and mom had hit together in the summer. I was basically just trying to get my mind off of things for awhile and not really expecting anything more than some clad. On my 3rd hit of the hunt I scooped up my first gold ring, I was shocked when I saw that it was indeed gold, just 10k but still gold. At last I had found her treasure for her, she never worried about the value of what we found, just happy to have found anything.
7 hours after the hunt my mom passed away, she never got to see or even know I had finally found her treasure. I had already decided that if she did not survive she would take the treasure with her, and thats how the story ends. My first treasure goes back into the earth with one of my greatest treasures, my mother!

[portraitartist]

Man, I'm at a loss for words... what a truly heartwarming story... but I have to disagree with you on part of it - I truly believe she was there and did know you found it... she led you to it.

I've just spend the last 2 hours working on an image of a newborn that passed away 5 weeks after he was born, in order to do a portrait for someone for her daughter and son-in-law...

I see and read about that; I read this post... and I talk to bigbill and sheri... and I somehow feel very close to all these folks, though I've never met any one of them...

The Meaning of Things is certainly is weighing heavily on my mind right now... think it's time for bed.

- peace

[Kentfb]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You were there for her and I'm sure that meant the world to her.

[dougdann]

What an amazing, touching story.
Sorry for your loss.


Doug

[EBCIII]

I am so very sorry to read this. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Your story brought tears to my eyes. I also believe theat she was with you in finding that ring.

If you need anything let us know, Beale.

[JCWhite]

Yes, Mom knows you found it and I was touched by your tale. JC

[gordiesgirl]

I am so sorry about your loss, although I never got the plessure of meeting her or you, I know as a Mom how proud she must of been of you. You were her treasure. God bless Congrats on the gold.

['E']

That was a truely sad story & i'm very sorry for your loss, I agree with everyone else here, she knew you had found her treasure, my thoughts are with you & your family.

[The TINMAN]

My Condolences on the Loss of Your Mom. I think everyone else is right, She WAS There but Most Importantly I Believe YOU were Her real Treasure and still are as She looks down with a Smiling face and Proud Heart. I was in tears reading your story, There were tears for your loss but also tears of joy to see another example of a Son/Daughter taking care of their parent/s instead of writing them off in their time of need.
God Bless You Mallardman ! If there is anything I/We can do, just give a holler. We Are Here For You !

The TINMAN

[RingDancer]

Portrait you said it!!! Very touched and tears for you!!! I believe she led you to that treasure!!! She was there with you!!!

RingDancer