Today, we mourn the loss of "Nina" Jean, God's newest and brightest angel. Indeed, it is a tremedous loss, especially to those that were never blessed to know her.
However, today is filled with so much more than sadness. It is a time to celebrate her LIFE and the joy she brought to so many. Her smile was like magic and certainly contageous. Most of us can remember a time (not so long ago) when her charm could capture the attention of an entire room. Few that met her could resist falling in love with her and it is impossible to say just how many thought of her as, "Mamma".
I am convinced that she charmed her way into a seat at God's VIP table, and righfully so. I am equally sure that God insisted hers be the most majestic and beautiful wings in the whole place...if not, she would have probably sent them back until they met her specifications anyway. ; )
She was a loving Daughter, a devoted Wife and she treasured true Friends; She was definately adored as Aunt Nina, and she idolized her siblings (Aunt Alice and Uncle Bud) until the day she died. Spread near and far, she truly cherished her role as Grandmother and GREAT-Grandmother, (she even adopted one along the way)! And as a Mother, I would have chosen no other.
Mamma didn't always have easy roads to travel in life and there is no doubt that she had more than her fair share of heartache and pain. Yet, no matter how the cards were stacked, she always played the very best hand possible.
It is in that spirit that I say: Mamma lived her life the very best she knew how. And after spending 41 years as her son, I havn't a single complaint or regret. She is, and will always be, my Mamma and my friend. I will love and celebrate her forever.
"Enjoy your perfect health, sweetheart. I love you."
I hope you will contribute stories and memories to prepetuate the love and life of our beloved 'Nina' Jean.
Tributes
Leave a tributeBut I know that you are watching over us all and that does help. I may not get a verbal reply when I ask your advice or for guidance, somehow, I still feel like you have everything under control. I know that you know when I stumble. But I also know that you are still proud of your baby boy. Just as I am proud that you were my Mamma and I treasure the time that I had you. We are all working very hard to ensure that your name is never forgotten...forever. I love you, today as I did yesterday.
Would it be your willful countenance,
Your ever youthful glow?
That sassy spark of pure deviance
The phoenix from the ash?
Or the charming seductress
Building easy alliance
Always more goodwill than cash.
I just want you to know that I am doing ok. But, God I miss you so much. I think about you ALL day, EVERY day. Your even in my dreams. I love you.
Leave a Tribute
But I know that you are watching over us all and that does help. I may not get a verbal reply when I ask your advice or for guidance, somehow, I still feel like you have everything under control. I know that you know when I stumble. But I also know that you are still proud of your baby boy. Just as I am proud that you were my Mamma and I treasure the time that I had you. We are all working very hard to ensure that your name is never forgotten...forever. I love you, today as I did yesterday.
One year. Still missing you.
An Overdue Trip to the Coeur d'Alene Casino
We talked often about taking trips to the Coeur d'Alene Casino. For more than a year, it was the Bingo hall that you wanted to play most. Now, I deeply regret that I never made that happen for you. Many times, you just weren't well enough to make the trip. Other times, we were simply too broke to go. But far too often, it seemed "a hassle" or "too inconvenient" to bother, what with the oxygen and wheelchairs, etc. For that, I am (and will forever be) truly sorry.
Tonight, however, you finally made it to the Casino floor. Though you were not there in body, the crowd adored you in your blazing, purple-heart charm. As usual, all were moved by your presence. When the time felt right, I placed you on the table and bet the next hand in tribute to you. I was not surprised (nor was Randy, Tyler, Sarah, Tom or Fred) that the dealer busted, leaving you winning a hand worth $100.00!
Of course, it didn't end there. Each bet that was placed in your honor, every player (or at least most) won their hand! For the entire evening, I can only recall one losing hand when your emblem was placed at the helm. After only six hours, I left the table with over $500. By far, that is the most that I have ever won in a setting, EVER! There is no doubt that it was you doing the winning. It was your voice telling me when to walk away. This time, I listened to your words.
I hope you do not view this as exploiting your memory or disrespectful in ANY way. In fact, I hope this evening will honor you. To me, this was the trip to the Casino that we never took in life and you left your mark on everyone that took part. It was a wonderful family event and I attribute the happiness, joy and delight to your memory.
I miss you Mamma. But, I know that you are with me (and with us) everyday...through the good times and the bad. I love you so much.
My Jeanie
First met this extraordinary lady in 1984 when she walked into the company office to apply for a job looking like a fashion model. We worked together for a few months until she left for another job. We had so much fun driving all over SouthernCa. She was in love and talked about about him (aka Larry) and her children constantly. Spent a lot of time together until I moved to Texas and kind of lost touch until she married and moved to Idaho. She came and spent six weeks with me at that time and we played a LOT of Scrabble. Afterwards, we stayed in contact more and then she decided she liked it here better than Idaho and the rest is history. I was fortunate enough to know her about thirty years. I could write a book on that but space won't allow it here. I love and miss her much.