There are a lot of things I learned from my mom that didn't really resonate with me until she past away from cancer in 1998 at nearly 53. She was way ahead of her time, but she lived every moment and day to the fullest. She loved life. She loved her family and friends. She saw the cup half full. She was a dreamer and a star gazer. She learned to train her mind. She was an amazingly strong and courageous individual with great self-discipline. She was always on the go. She lived more in one day than some live in a life time and cherished every challenge in life as an opportunity. She was a small framed former Homecoming Queen and fashionista, but she had the courage of a Navy Seal.

Yes, she was a dietician and an exercise fanatic, and very health conscious, but her psychological stamina and ability to put her worries away was a tremendous skill that I have yet to learn. She was a fighter and a leader and she rallied her family, friends and community in times of need even when she herself was physically compromised. This, I guess, is why her loss was so devastating to so many who knew her.

I didn't understand it then, but I now know why she was particularly patriotic. She felt so blessed to be born in this country where our freedom reigns supreme. She never took our liberties for granted. It wasn't until I visited some of the poorest places on Earth that I realized this gift, but my mom had such great instinct about so many things. Upon her request we played patriotic songs (including America the Beautiful) at her memorial service.

She would have been so moved by the country's response to 9/11. It was as though she had a sixth sense.

Here is America the Beautiful by Willie Nelson and his celebrity friends. I got to interview Willie's daughters and even though I love this rendition, I like him even more as a human being.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fihSpdEx8