Monday, January 1, 2001
Geesh, mom, the dreaded day of knowing I would walk into your empty house has come. There was no place like home because of you. You always said to stay close to family and love my brothers as blood is thicker than water. We did not expect this result as you are such a strong woman. I know you were ready and prepared to be with dad and your Purpose had been fulfilled. Memories are plentiful and it amazes me how often I tell someone about my mom or my dad. The places we have seen, the arts and crafts we did, the picnics we shared, the trips you took the whole family on. It is because of you I love trees, outdoors, stars, flowers, winter, summer, fall, spring, water, boating, camping, singing, dancing, laughing, fireworks, pianos, old music, Marilyn Monroe (because you looked like her), matching outfits, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter hats, picnic baskets, dandelion jewelry, jump rope, hula hoops, hot coca and toast with butter, croquet, jewelry, shoes. My fondest memory is kneeling next to your bedside while you said your prayers and named every single family member along with all those Catholic prayers and blessing. You changed it up from time to time as you often fell asleep at Jeffrey so you started out with him often. How about camping in Iowa and your long silver hair blowing in the breeze as you walked over to get water. How pretty you were! I am so proud of you and your accomplishments, mom. These are only a few of the memories you created just for us and our dad.
