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It has now been 6 short years since you went home to be with your Lord, Mom. I've missed you so much.
Always a loving, trusted shoulder to lay my troubles, of which you listened in earnest, which helped me to reach many a decision about the many issues in my life. I thank you for that.
Lord knows that there will never be another, "You."
Spending most of the night with you before your departure, I remember our talk in so much detail;
This list of items we discussed really hit home with me and I strived to make sure that I pay very close attention to them. Sometimes it seems as though I’m not very well received as I continue this vigil, but I keep following your advice and guidance with this list. The other items that we discussed have to take a seat as these five are most important to me right now.
1. "Pay attention to your own children and Grand Children. Always try and be a big part of their lives."
Although this was the easiest for me, I know that I tend to get in their way at times as they are building their own lives, but my heartfelt interest will always be in their health and safety as they go through life. Lord, Mom, you would be so proud of your Grandkids and Great Gr-kids.
2. "Always maintain love and respect for your brothers and sisters."
This one has been, and I fear will continue to be sometimes hard, as I have not always been very well received at times.
3. "Try and always be there for your family."
My mind and heart has and will always be there, but sometimes physically and Geographically, it just wasn't possible.
4. "Always remember your roots and where you came from."
This, I promise – I will never forget the important milestones you helped me create in my life's journey. You started me on this genealogy path years ago when you shared a family history pamphlet you acquired from Cousin R. Bruce Taylor at a family reunion that you attended in Louisville, Kentucky. I was overseas at the time, and you saved one for me.
I have been on this trek now for some 25+ years, and have amassed much info on yours and Dad's families. I am in the process of compiling all this data and photos for my own personal Family Book, in hopes that one of my descendants will "Pick Up The Torch," when I leave this world.
5. “If you can, find your brother Norman and make sure that he understands that I have always loved him as much as I loved the rest of you.”
Although Norman was born in 1941 and lived for approximately two hours before Grandpa ‘Liss’ took him to the side of the "plow field" and buried him in the tree line, I will do my utmost to locate Norman's resting place. However, geographically and as I am physically able, I will continue to try and accomplish this as I am able to make the trips back home.
I have, with the help of some other Family History Researchers in the “Back Home,” family members noticed and still trying to find records to show who if anyone is buried in the grave space that is between Uncle Robert and Grandpa ‘Liss’. IF we can find where Grandpa laid Norman to rest, we will attempt to have him moved to the mentioned space between Grandpa and Uncle Robert, if that is available. At least in this way, I feel that Norman will be able to have peace alongside family.
Love you Mom. I'll visit again soon.
Until next time.