I lost my beautiful, vibrant, loving, and dynamic mother...Mom. I have miles of words that I could type about what kind of incredible human being she was, her moral compass, the lives she touched and enriched, the knowledge she possessed and was eager to share, She was strong-willed, creative, intuitive, nurturing, wise, fair, hilarious, fun, caring, understanding, warm, patient, helpful, sacrificing, loyal, tender, a whiz in the kitchen, an expert on everything in my backyard....birds, plants, and critters. My Mom was my role model as a woman, a mother, a friend, and a wife.
I remember looking through my crib rails, as my Mom slept on my bedroom floor, during my bouts with walking pneumonia. Throughout my accidents (they were numerous), Mom held my hand, rubbed my back and made ER visits feel less horrible. I am grateful to have had the the last few months time with my Mom, being by her side, holding her hand, comforting her through this scary and heartbreaking journey. As Mom became ill and needed us for comfort and help, I could not help but think about those times of her caring for me. Repaying her was the least I could do for the lifetime of love, comfort, and protection she provided me.
I carry a lifetime of favorite moments with my Mom. Traditions that Mom started around holidays and life celebrations became a huge part of our traditions when Dave and I started a family of our own. Christmas began in the summer with her and I making ornaments, wreaths from vines in our backyard, making baked goods and jams to ship off to family in New England. Mom nurtured my creativity with everything from helping me make Halloween costumes, enabling my wild child side with hair and clothes, to my creations with any art medium. She held my hand during the birth of my first son and was by my side right after my second son was born. She was there for their first baths and was my supportive sidekick as I got the hang of breast feeding and becoming a mom. After moving a thousand miles away, there were countless phone calls that could last hours. Some days we spoke multiple times. There was never advice that she couldn't give and conversation and laughter was never in short supply. Traveling and exploring with Mom was always an unforgettable adventure. She was a doting mother, there for every childhood milestone, every play, recital, school event and as I grew into a woman she became my close friend.
I miss her so much, but I take comfort in seeing that her thumbprint is in my home, my yard, our family traditions, my voice, my handwriting, the way I interact with others, and of course, the reflection I see when I look in the mirror reminds me of my Mom. She could never be forgotten, she is part of the fabric of my life and her threads are woven into every aspect of it. Farewell, Momma.
