Friends,

Thank you for your kindness.

I've copied and embellished upon a post I put up on a bass discussion I host:

My mom battled multiple myeloma, a very aggressive cancer of the blood plasma. Though she was ill for months prior while I was mostly on tour, he diagnosis was confirmed on the day of the last NIN show ever on September 10th, which created a particularly intense emotional ride. Since that show, my sister and I have been our mom's nurses, advocates, and helpers, particularly as she became more ill, and less able to communicate. But she was immensely brave, and even did her best to smile and be jovial with us, even during her last days. She was a remarkable woman. I loved her so much. And she was so commendable in doing her best not to let her disease affect her, just as she had all our lives with multiple sclerosis, which she had been diagnosed with since age 21. I can see her beaming face as we wheeled her out to the front-of-house area at The Forum during the friends and family show back at the beginning of LITS. Her pride and excitement was so generous and heart-warming.

This has been the biggest challenge of my life. Particularly during her last 48 hours. She passed away at midnight, November 1st.

Now, as I work on the process of this, I find intense solace in music. Feels like music, and certainly my sweet, loving daughter, are keeping me from unraveling.

Bye for now, thanks again. I appreciate you all so much.

Love,
Justin

LEO EDIT: Thread title and would be better as its own topic.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/04/2009 10:38PM by leo3375.

Like Leo3375, I struggle with finding the right words.
Justin you are amazing for what you share with us. My thoughts have been & will remain with you & your family.

I wish I had something deep & more comforting to say, but truly my heart goes out to you sir.

Very sorry to hear this, JMJ.

Many people all over the world who visit this board are going to remember your mom because of your words about her. That's a great thing to have and to have been a part of. Best wishes and condolences to you and your family.

I wish I had something more substantial to give, but I can only offer sincere and at least semi-understanding condolences, having lost my own mother to a lengthy battle with a terminal disease. It seems like you've already got the rest figured out. Keep music close. Keep your daughter closer. It'll get worse before it gets better, and this week will probably suck harder than even the last one. It's normal. Don't despair, not matter how maudlin that may sound--despair is real and creeps up when you least expect it.

So yes, keep music close. Keep your daughter closer. And know that there are legions of people, some of them virtual strangers whose lives you have nevertheless touched in no insignificant way, whose thoughts and best wishes will be with you during this lousy time, and a long time after, too. For you to have affected so many people in such a positive way, I'm sure your mother couldn't have been more proud. Keep that thought close, too.

Sincerely,
James

Justin, I'm so very sorry for your loss.
As others have said, your words have helped us to learn what a truly remarkable woman your mother was, and she will always be remembered as such. Celebrate the life she lived, and what she has given to you, yours, and everyone else around her.

You and your family are, of course, in my thoughts.
Much love to you,
Casey.

Your mom was clearly an amazing woman, as any of us who have met you know that you are a good, decent, and compassionate person and thus a living testament to her character. I am sorry for your loss, and the struggle you have gone through in these last few months. Her spirit will live on through you and your daughter.

My deepest condolences.

Your mother sounds like an amazing, remarkable person--and she raised two equally amazing children. Thank you for your openness, for being such a visible pillar of strength and inspiration, and for allowing us to meet her through your words. I, for one, feel honored and humbled.

Please know that you all remain in our thoughts.

I'm sorry about your loss Justin. My prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong man.
-Chris

i just lost my mother on October 20th to complications with diabetes. I understand what you are going through. The hardest part is not hearing her voice and not being able to just call her out of the blue to say "Hi".

My thoughts are with you. This will not be easy. We just have to think of them smiling down on us whenever something reminds us of our mothers.

BTW, She was a HUGE NIN fan. she went to 9 shows and loved you all. Justin, she loved your afro. She thought of you like a cartoon character who could rip on the bass.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Justin. I send my loving thoughts to you & your family.

Dear Justin,
I am so very sorry to hear your mom has passed. From all your words and actions, she sounded like a wonderful, thoughtful, loving person who cared very much for her family. Just like you. Thank you for sharing with us during this most difficult time. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts, as is your mom, who so clearly raised such a kind, caring, altruistic man.
With every loving thought,
Tammy

I lost my grandfather, who raised my sister and me, to multiple myeloma in November of 2002. I am still sad when I think of how the disease crippled my once very active Poppy.

Your family is in my thoughts during this time.

fleighing posted:

Your mom was clearly an amazing woman, as any of us who have met you know that you are a good, decent, and compassionate person and thus a living testament to her character.

As one of those lucky enough to have met you and been witness to your kindness, I have to agree that your mother must have been a wonderful person to have raised a son such as yourself. My heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Please remember that your extended family has many thousands of members who love and support you.

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your mother...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

I am so very sorry, Justin. My most sincere condolences to you and your family. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Diane