Mom’s Eulogy:

Mom, what can I say about Mom?  She was an amazing lady; an inspiration to myself, my brothers and many of you as well.  She was so kind and caring, as strong as they come and just plain fun to be around.  Just look at those pictures (from yesterday or on her memorial).  She had an amazing smile and an ability to bring joy to every situation.  She loved life and all that it had to offer, regardless of what was thrown her way, and she had plenty of things thrown her way.  More than most of us will ever have to endure (like raising 4 boys for example, 5 if you count Dad). 

Her kindness was just amazing.  She always thought of others.  I’m sure you all have memories of times she made you feel special; singling you out, listening to you and letting you know she cared.  I’d see her kindness at Christmas time the most.  Mom LOVED Christmas!  And she wanted to make it special for everyone.  She always had extra presents around, because you never know who would stop by at Christmas because that’s just the kind of house we had.  And she’d always go out of her way to invite people to join us on Christmas just so they wouldn’t have to spend Christmas alone.

Her strength, courage and faith are inspiring.  Time and time again, she’s been able to overcome obstacles in her life.  Like being a foster child.  Beating Cancer twice! Dealing with even more health issues and of course - raising 4 boys.  What’s incredible is that just when you wonder, how is she going to do this, not only does she come through when you least expect it, but she does it with grace and a smile. 

And you know, when I think of her smile, it reminds me that Mom was a lot of fun!  Three of her favorite things in life, beside her grandchildren of course, were…any guesses?  Family Parties, Going out with her Friends, and anything Disney!  I think the happiest I’ve ever seen her is at Disney World with the grandkids.  Mom didn’t even wait 7 weeks to get her (1st Granddaughter) Josie to Disney World.  And on top of that, she’s gone so many times I’ve lost track.  She also really loved Muny nights with her friends and girls nights out with the cousins, and wouldn’t miss them for the world.  And as far as family parties, please.  She was the queen of family parties.  She absolutely loved to joke around and laugh for hours on end hanging out with family.

You know, the thing I think I’m going to remember most - is my Mom’s LOVE.  The love she showed to me, to my brothers, to my Dad, the grandkids, the whole family, as well as her friends.  She just had this spirit about her that came from the LOVE she had inside. It was a love that was nurtured by Bud & Liz Smallwood who raised her as their own, which formed a gratitude in Mom that never ended.  It shaped who Mom was.  And she made the most of her life, sharing her love and lighting up the lives of her sisters, brothers, and cousins; making friendships that were deep and meaningful.  And sharing an enduring love with Dad (Frank); creating a family of boys and then grandchildren that live on under the guidance of her love, kindness and strength.

Mom may be gone and we will all miss her terribly.  But her spirit doesn’t have to die.  We’re all here because we know and feel the impact Mickey has had on our lives.  And her spirit lives in all of us.  I know nothing would make her happier than knowing we went on enjoying our lives with one another; sharing love as she did.  So instead of mourning her loss, celebrate Mickey’s life by spending time with your family, making time for your friends, and living life to the fullest, facing the curves that life throws your way with strength, courage, love and a smile, the way Mickey did.

I love you Mom!