In Memory of my mother (1/27/1955-3/25/2006)

[bondguy007]

Wednesday marks the 3rd anniversary of my mother's passing. I thought it would be easy, but I don't feel like doing any homework tonight. I don't want to weep, but to not remember her and not get a little misty eyed would seem wrong. So for the next 28 hours, if I seem a little "off", a little sadder or zanier or more hopeful in nature, it's because I'm remembering mom.

Not the way she died. The way she LIVED.

I am not as brave as her. 30, 40 rounds of chemo and she kept her hair. That's something to smile about.
I was there the night before she died, on the phone. That's something to smile about.
She changed so many lives because of her teaching, both in the classroom and in life. That's something to smile about.
She deepened in me my sense of love for humanity and those in need. That's something to smile about.
She made me laugh, many times. That's something to smile about.
She was SO PROUD that her dermatologist told her she looked 10 years younger than her age. Another thing to smile about.
Even though she never heard my name called, she came to my graduation, and she will be there for my college graduation, wedding and any births. That's something to smile about.
She gave me unconditional love. That's something to smile about.
She enjoyed the occasional fast food dinner. OK, more than occasional. That's something to smile about.
She had a daughter, my sister. She always wanted a boy and a girl. That's something to smile about.
She told me to live in the moment and never stopped me from being me. That's something to smile about.
She was the best mom a son could have. That's something to smile about.
I could go on...and that's something to smile about, but mom gets my point.

So instead of looking at a tombstone and frowning, my head will be up high as I know she is smiling on me. And that's something to smile about.

THAT'S MY MOM.

[silvercamaro]

Your mom is beautiful, James. That photo shows that she had a glorious smile that has been passed along to you and your sister. You left something out of your list of her accomplishments, however. She raised two great children to continue her gifts to the world.

Keep the love going.

[secondchance]

That was just a beautiful remembrance, James. I'm positive your mom is smiling from heaven.

[danielh41]

Hey Bondguy, that was a fantastic and touching tribute to your mom. I'm sure that you have given her quite a bit to smile about...