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My Mother

ByGary Kaltbaum
11 Comments

BY GARY KALTBAUM- DECEMBER 6, 2024

My mother passed away at the age of 91 in her sleep Thanksgiving night. Been traveling up on Delta just about every week to see both her and my 93 year old father that was worse medically than her up until just a few short months ago. Just a few short months ago, I took her to see Lion King. She was thrilled. She cooked and took care of my father. But emergency surgery because of a blood clot started the downhill. She wasn’t the same and in the last 2 weeks, worsened. On that last day, I sat next to her watching old movies. She knew who I was but pretty much just there. Amazingly, I have received numerous emails, messages and calls of condolence in the thousands because of our reach. So grateful! I timidly stated how heartbroken but relieved I was because how she was living. Was worried the many wouldn’t understand the relief but many sympathized saying they went through the same thing.

My mother, Thelma Beatrice Kaltbaum passed away at the age of 91. A few things I would like you to know.

I have never heard anyone say a bad word about my mother and gather that is because my mother had never said a bad word about anyone else. We hear this about people often but it was real for my mother. She just had that nice gene.

My mother made friends easily. Everyone who came into contact with her liked her immediately. Her friendships lasted a lifetime.

My mother could cook. Many begged for her baked chicken and brisket. I was one of them.

My mother lived for the family. She was married to my father for 69 years. Not a typo. 69 years! As I said, up until the last few months, she still did all the cooking and taking care of him.

My mother was always there for my brother and I. Growing up, she was always waking up before us readying us for school. Sending us off. Waiting for us when we got home and making sure we had a good day and got our homework done. My mother was always there with a helping hand throughout our lives.

My mother was a top notch grandmother to my two sons. My two sons adored her. When both my sons ditched Florida to work in NYC, she was thrilled. She couldn’t do enough for them. Every conversation started with how are Aaron and Eric?

And then the downhill slide. It came fast. But as my mother’s health was going downhill, something miraculous occurred. It is posted on my X feed. She met Reece Daniel Kaltbaum, my grandson, her great grandson. She lit up and reacted like I had not seen in months, if for only a short time. Quite amazing what a baby can do to light up someone’s life. If she was better, I know she would have been the best great grandmother but that would not be the case.

My mother. A life very much well lived.

We are all going to miss my mother big time.

11 Comments

  1. Gary, My deepest condolences. Your mother sounds like a “life well lived”, what a blessing to have such a mother and father.

    My Mom is 83 and in good health. I am grateful to live eight minutes away from her by golf cart. Thanks for reminding me what a special gift she is.

    David

  4. Gary,
    Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I’ve been listening to you for 10+ years and know how special your family is.
    Congrats on the new addition!

    Rich
    Spokane

  6. Praying for you and your family Gary! Always enjoy hearing from you especially on Charles Payne’s show. My wife’s Uncle is Jim Rohrbach. Lord bless you and your family!

  7. Gary, really sorry to hear about your mom, and yes, I’m one of the people who understand when you say you’re relieved that she wasn’t suffering anymore. Condolences to you and your family.

  8. I have been delayed in sending this but feel compelled to do so after reading this post.

    So sorry for the loss of your mother. I know it is painful. I lost my dad when I was about 35…he died at 58. It hit me very hard.

    At times like this I always remember a quote from Marjorie Rawling’s The Yearling’. She describes a scene in an old frame house in North Florida, in the dead of Winter, in which a young boy has died. The family sat around the fireplace, no one speaking… She wrote, “They suffocated in an air of sorrow that can only be blown away by the winds of time”. Powerful stuff.

    My Mother is 96 today and we took her to lunch and gave her a big hug and I told her I love her.

    Bless you and your family at this time.

    Ken

  9. A great tribute to your mother Gary. What a great mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and lady. I’m very sorry for your loss. I lost my kid sister on Thanksgiving 2009. My mother passed away on Christmas Eve, 2014, one day before her 78th birthday.

    God Bless you Gary! Hang in there, and thank you for what you do!

  10. Sorry for your lost, I know you have heard that like a million times by now. My parents have been gone for years now 59 and 76 I am 62 and I still miss them. You’re a good man Gary your parents know what they were doing and it shows in you. I still listen to you every day because I know where your heart is, and you never lost money when we were with you and there are not any other advisors I can say that about. Family is most important and you are part of a very special and good one, God bless you and yours Gary.

  11. I wish to extend my condolences to and your family!
    Looking forward to being a part of your investment family!

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