Fast forward to the end: what we know, and what I suspect you all knew, was that my Mom was someone who loved to laugh, who truly cared about people, who loved Jesus deeply, and who loved her family with all her heart.

There were many things in Mom’s life that could have derailed her completely: losing her Mom at a very young age, losing her paternal Grandma at about the same time, being abandoned for some time, and then losing her father, maternal grandfather and grandmother as a teenager and young woman; a miscarriage; being surprised at my brother’s birth with handicaps that at that time, and some maybe still, were without names; caring 24/7 for my brother and having the heartbreaking reality that it was necessary to seek outside help to care for him; betrayal in a business concern that rocked my parents’ world. But through it all, what was it that allowed my Mom to keep getting up after each punch and keep facing the world…not just as a functioning adult, but as a thriving, loving, laughing, and giving woman? I believe there are two key factors: her deep love of and faith in Jesus, and the deep love and humor of my Dad. It’s those two things, and their three-strand partnership and relationship, that helped her rise above and not only sustain her life but live to give to others. 

Love came in many packages: baking, giving of time, listening, praying, serving. Along the way Mom and Dad were instrumental in starting 4 churches in Illinois and New York, and shaping many young lives through opening their home week after week and loving the young people that came through their doors. 

And there were the hugs...every morning, every night, when going, when coming. There were even hugs for strangers in WalMart, in doctors' offices--wherever it seemed that one was needed, Mom was quick to give hugs to those that seemed that could use a hug...or just wanted to give her one after a kind encounter. 

Mom knew no strangers. Even after flights this was evident as my parents would get off the planes with life stories of those they met, and one time even with a bottle of champagne they had gotten from a flight attendant. Even the last time I shopped with my Mom at Trader Joe's this summer, she was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the manager...just because! 

Mom didn't have a mean bone in her body, and she cared for everyone...truly cared and prayed and prayed some more. 

She was also a fun and fully devoted Grandma...making sure there were ALWAYS more than enough cookies and treats and gum! I remember coming home once to Grandma and Josh tethered together with a long rope when he was 1 as they were running around the house playing Horsie. And the hours that Grandma spent at the table playing cards with Justin as he learned his colors and numbers. And playing dolls and crafts and games with Linnae by the hour. Prayers were not complete until they were prayed for. Phone calls were not complete until she asked how each one was doing. Add to that asking how Jonathan, Jason, and Jewel were doing as well...her adopted grandchildren...three more children that have become a part of our family and found a home in Grandma D's heart. 

Some things never changed: WELL DONE meat, extra crispy bacon, very dry eggs, butterflied hot dogs, and a reminder every time of that request (Isn’t that the testament of a super-glue marriage? RARE v. WELL DONE surviving happily for 60+ years?!)

And I'm proud and amazed to say that some things DID change: Mom learned to swim and even touch the bottom of the pool in the deep end...at the age of 75! And most recently, this past August, was caught actually feeding our dog, Keeper...from the table!! We never thought we'd see that!

Mom told me that she had often prayed that she would be allowed to be the Mom to her children that she never was able to experience. Mom, God answered your prayers...and I am so very grateful. Your care and love for me was a priceless gift, and I know how very blessed I am to have enjoyed that love for so very long. I miss you very much...talking on the phone...your hugs...planning for Christmas...talking about life...holding your hand as we walked. I know you are doing great now--talking to Paul and your Mom. I strive to love as you loved.

So grateful for the gift I enjoyed for so long: You, My Mother.