I missed your 40th and 50th and 60th wedding anniversary.
When Tim, Kelly, and Megan were born.
when she was president of Christchild and got Red Shoe
When she left for Ireland, Thailand, Galapagos, India, Africa twice.
When she left for Virginia and Michigan and Vermont.
And when she came home with stories to tell.
When she went to graduations and funerals. (not too many weddings)
When she worked at Pabst Mansion.
When she fell down the stairs
When she had to stop driving
But then there she was driving out to DC for Thankgiving.
Eating at House of Nanking with me in San Francisco
Mourning Ruby with us in New Orleans
Greeting Tucker the day he was born in Denver
Trying the best she could to hike up mountains with us
I'll definitely remember mom as a saint for getting all 7 of us thru gradeschool, highschool and started into college. I'll remember her for being den mother, for taking me on girl scout campouts, and for going on so many class field trips. The outpouring from my gradeschool class on Facebook is pretty amazing. I'll remember her for trying to get me to music lessons and to do forensics. I'll remember her for trying her hardest to get me to do my homework instead of playing outside. I'll remember her for showing up to Little League and Swim Team and Football games and for believing in me. Sure go to Architecture School.
And then I keep coming back to her almost dying the day I was born. And how none of this would be a part of me now, and how many many lives would be less had that day gone different.
She and Dad give me strength to love unconditionally and forever those close to me. She was there and now she's gone.
She gives me a warm smile to look at some memories for Sissy and Tucker.
I feel she's no longer so far away.