I wanted to be able to say a few words about my mom, because I know my life would have been so different without her. What comes to mind is the Jimmy Stewart character in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Her life has touched so many other lives and made those lives better, more complete, and helped us all to be a little more kind and giving. She has always said that she raised “givers” and that there were a lot of takers in the is world – but that shouldn’t stop us from being kind and loving or make us bitter in any way.
There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her family and loved ones. She’s been there for all of us in some way, shape or form. Helping me through my divorce and to raise my children. Taking my sister in when she had her allergies and suffered from an anaphylactic reaction to petrol chemicals. Taking in animals over the years for both of my sisters, when they needed a home, either temporarily or permanently. Helping others with various health related problems or conditions. Helping grandchildren, great-grandchildren, children and friends, whether it be through her time, shelter, finances or love.
My Dad once said in a Christmas letter that she had an “enlarged heart”, but that he always knew that her heart was “big enough” to love every one she knew. God was good to all of us for giving us such a warm, caring, loving, forgiving and non-judgmental mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, wife and friend.
She was always in our corner and the best “coach” you could have in all the world, so supportive and encouraging. Always positive too! I have always felt so blessed to have been born into such a loving family with such wonderful parents. They weren’t afraid to show that love either. Even as a child, I remember them kissing each other in the kitchen while preparing dinner. I used to say that it “grossed” me out, but I truly felt happy inside seeing them and their deep affection and love for each other.
My father once told me that a husband should put his wife on a pedestal and treat her lovingly, making her feel special. He said that, the children were a product of that love and with them goes that love – through example – and how they lead their lives. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all you’ve given me and all of us. I only hope I can be even half the people you were and make you both proud, since that would mean the world to me. Thanks for giving us all a wonderful life and legacy. As mom would say; “God is Good!” We are blessed to have had the best parents in the “whole wide world.”
