One year. Still missing you.

     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.

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.