“God’s Country” is a song by Blake Shelton that seemed to play on the radio each time I had my mother in the car.  When the song would play, she would proudly state, “Oh, I like this song” or “My song is on again…”  Just from the title, it’s not a surprise that she would like the tune.  All she needed to hear was God and country and she was sold.  Mom would listen to every word and make comments about the song and how it relates to her own relationship with the Lord, with her country and with her family.

The song is about the heartland and of a simpler time and place where God reigns, good conquers evil and love of country and religion paves the way.  It is perfectly suited for my mom who believed in the tenets of family, religion, patriotism, love and faith.  Mom would smile and glow when she recognized the song and the words seemed to give her peace and a little bit of pep to her day.  For my mom, “God’s Country” wasn’t just a song, but more of a proclamation of life in a pure form and the way it ought to be.  

Unwavering in her faith, she would approach each day as a blessing and that spirit would radiate to all that were around her.  Her many friends appreciated her kindness, her warmth and her welcoming spirit.  It was easy to feel loved when around her and she was mutually admired and appreciated by her friends.  I cannot tell you how many messages have been received since her passing, all noting how kind, gentle and loving she truly was.  Even as she endured the pain and suffering of her last days, she remained a wonderful, gentle soul.

Above all else, mom emphasized the importance of family.  Although many miles would separate her from her brother and sister, she held them close to her heart and in her everyday thoughts.  Not a day went by when I was with her that she didn’t speak about her brother, Frank and her sister, Emma.  As the years went by, physical distance apart became difficult to overcome.  However, distance would never interfere with the special, everlasting, loving and inseparable bond that she felt for her brother and sister.  

My mother also showed tremendous love and dedication to her three grandchildren. She doted on Isabella, Giulianna and Gabriel and fought so hard for her life so that she could watch her grandchildren grow.  It was important for her to impart her knowledge and experience to them as only someone from a different generation could.  She did it with the hope that her conversations would leave a lasting print on their lives for years to come.  Undoubtedly, she was successful in that regard and you can see her love and strength in them.

She was also an exemplary mom, dedicating her life to her children and husband.  She helped to create a nurturing environment in a suburban home, full of love and closeness.  Our home was always welcoming and my brothers James and Stephen and I never wanted for anything.  She only wanted the best for us and was completely selfless in her daily pursuits.  Upon losing her husband over thirty years ago, she showed an amazing strength and dignity as she maintained the standards of her life.  Her priorities never changed and she always emphasized the importance of family unity and the family bond.

Her faith provided her with a foundation that gave her amazing strength no matter the situation.   There’s a line in God’s Country that says, “The devil went to Georgia, but he didn’t stick around, this is God’s country.” This line would typically rouse a “that’s right!” out of mom.  She was devout in her faith and truly believed that good would triumph over evil.  The devil never had a chance around my mom, that’s for sure.  She believed in the power of prayer, the power of faith and the power of an almighty God.  The trials we face are simply challenges and faith in God would beat down any challenge.

Mom referred to passing away as “Going Home”.  Late in life, she often talked about God taking her home when he was ready.  She is home now, where she is reunited with dad, her family and all her friends who passed.  We can all take solace in the thought that God now wants her in his home and we will someday be reunited.

Linda Cavazzoni, a loving mother, faithful wife, devoted sister and friend to so many. No longer in pain, no longer suffering.  May she Rest in Peace until we meet again in the kingdom of heaven.