To those who knew her, she was Mrs. MacKenzie, Sharon, Mrs. Mac, the Principal or the Superintendant; but to me she was always Mom. Mom, with all that the title represents. To me Mom was a superhero. She took care of the house, of Dad, Dave and I. She worked, but was always there for us. Her work was something special, because it allowed her to touch the lives of enumerable children in an absolutely positive way. Even if you got sent to the Principal’s office, Mom would usually turn it into a positive experience. Fortunately, I never got sent to her office (other Principals offices, but not hers), but I had friends who ended up in her office. They all ended up loving her and to this day sing her praises.

It is said that children learn what they live. I am a better person because of who my mother was. She taught David and I (along with countless others) by the way she lived her life. She always demonstrated compassion to others. She taught us to be honorable and honest in all that we do. She taught us to be loving, by showing us unconditional love. Dave and I knew that no matter how bad we screwed up, Mom would still love us. (We would certainly be disciplined, but Mom would always love us.) I can never thank Mom enough for all of the sacrifices she made for her family. I am sure that I don’t even know 10% of what she did for us. I do remember some of the things. I remember her staying up until the wee hours of the morning helping us finish a project or paper that we had left until the last minute, even though she had to be at work in a matter of a few hours. I remember her being a leader to our Cub Scout Den. She always put hours into making sure that our group had fun and learned something. I remember exciting trips to the museums in LA, concerts, Disneyland and plays. I remember her reading to us at every opportunity. I remember spectacular Christmases and Birthdays and only now that I have children of my own do I realize the amount of effort that she put into making these events memorable. I remember being sick and her comforting me. I remember being scared and her reassuring me. I remember being happy and her being happy for me. I remember feeling proud because my Mom was proud of me.

I am angry at the disease that took so much from her. I am angry at all the other debilitating conditions that affect the ones we love Lupus, Parkinsons, MG, Fibro Myalgia, Alzheimers and myriad others. Though the MS took her mobility, her home and finally her life, through it all there were things it could never take from her. It could not take away her compassion. It could not take away her love for her family and friends. It could not take away the essence of who Mom was.

To many of you she was a friend. To my Dad, she was a sweetheart, a lover, a confidant and a partner. To Sharilyn, Robert, Kelcie and Scot she will always be Grandma; but only to David and I will she forever be Mom.