Debra "Debbie" Faulkner

Deb, you were always there when I needed a shoulder to lean on. You are truly one of a kind. So glad we came to know each other more in the last few years and found out we had a lot in common not just sharing family but sharing our inner thoughts. You are actually my kindred Spirit. As you son shared his lights flickerd on and off my phone began to ring,not one time but four different trips to my land line and no one there. We both know it was you, we had endless calls on the land line. I miss you everyday cousin and go for that phone often to give you a call, you are now out of pain and waiting for all of us. My thoughts go out to Steve and the kids love Denny

SO sad to see this, Carl and I are so sorry for your loss. Debbie and I were friends and neighbors for 18 years, crazy she moved to Deerfield in 2003.. We had a great relationship, she walked the trails with her mare, spotted ground bees and wanted me to take care of them...I did. Loved her and the way she took the best care of horses!. I did go to see her home in Deerfield , I´m so happy I did, saddlebreds around, and the antique house exceptional. One thing, I bought a 5 gaited saddlebred, for a trail horse, Deb thought it was great...it was! Rest in peace my friend

I was with mom almost until the very end.

If you knew my mom in some way, you were mentioned in my stories to her as she lay there sleeping comfortably. For hours I verbally recounted to her as much as I could remember of good memories all the way back to infancy. I don't know why I remember so many things, but I do, and those memories are filled with as much wonder and happiness to me now as they were as a child. I can relive them easily if I close my eyes and I am so so so thankful for that. I can hear her voice, smell her perfume, see her smile, feel her care... For those of us who were children around her... my brother and sister, my cousins, all my friends and theirs... man we had it good. As a kid sometimes the grass is always greener... and I didn't always think I had the best mom, but goodness I was so lucky, and still am, to have her as my mom. She was the best for me, and she was a mom in kind to so many others.
Her hands were warm as I held them. Not too hot, not too cold. For hours I talked to her holding her closest hand in mine and touching her forehead or shoulder with my other, just like she would do to comfort me or when I was sick. I wanted her to know that she is the hero of so many stories to be told. I wanted her to know that so much good that has come from me, is what I have inherited from her.

I don't know if she heard all I said. I hope she did and registered it even if it was dreamlike.

My brother came to relieve me around Midnight. We sat and talked to 2 AM. Before I left I let mom know I was heading out to get a little sleep and would see her tomorrow and whispered to her that it was ok if she needed to go... we've all got this... it's ok. Come back or go, but don't just let it happen. Make it your terms.

I drove home slowly, out of it, randomly crying, and kept thinking I hope she leaves tonight.

I am not a superstitious person or a traditionally religious person. I don't believe in all that stuff... but the drive home started with light rain and steadily progressed over 40 minutes to the point when I got home the wind was howling and branches were coming down everywhere.

I came inside, my beautiful wife waiting up for me... and the lights flickered briefly a few times from the storm. I climbed into bed and waited for my wife to come after brushing her teeth. My phone still on silent from when I was with my mom. I forgot. When my wife came out and I shut the light, I checked the phone out of habit. 1 text, 2 calls from my brother. Mom had passed a few minutes before... right about the time the lights flickered.

It was probably just a windy fall night and a little stormy and the power flickered just as I got safely home out of chance... but I'm going to believe that she was watching over me the whole way and waited until I got safely home and inside and embraced my wife, to leave. I love you mom. I hope what they say is true... that you are now looking down and over us. I hope you know how much you mean to me. I hope you know how much I will miss you. I hope you could hear me. I wish I had taken the time to sit you down and tell you all those things before... I've said bits and pieces more as time has gone on but... I always thought about it but never took that time to really pour it out... always figured I had tomorrow.

I guess this is getting a bit long winded. I can be that way... it could be 500X longer so if you've gotten this far I've done you a bit of a favor and keep it short and sweet...

Family is everything. My wife, my children, my whole family, is my world. I love you all.

Goodnight, mom. I got this. You'll live on through me, I promise you that. All your best parts. I'll leave a little light on... stop by anytime... you are always welcome.

Debbie was so unique, which is what made her so special. I love the friendship we shared in high school even though we ran in different circles. I truly loved being with her. Much love to her family.
Sue (Rodrigue) White