Of course, it was all so overwhelming. The idea that I would ever have to face any segment of my life without her is almost more than I can bear. Although common sense dictates that we will eventually lose our parents to old age or illness, no one in my family could even imagine the thought of Mom’s just not being there any more. My natural instinct at the time was to capture as many memories and details or her life on paper as I could from my singular, daughterly perspective. So, within the first few months following her death, I spent hours burning up the keys of my computer. The laser printer churned out my work of memorial to the earthly angel we called Mom, while I proceeded to purge, express, celebrate, and create her legacy. I reasoned that somewhere in these pages, my son and my grandchild may someday understand the stock of women from whence they came. My Mom used to say we came from good pioneer stock. German, Scottish, with a dash of Cherokee thrown in the mix on her side. French & Piaute on Dad's.

Discussions of Mom lessened for a while as my family and I tried to cope and some healing time passed. Even though many of us “Baby Boomers” were spawned from a generation of stay-at-home moms who learned early on to express their love for their families by domestic doting, I doubt that I will ever possess the simple dedication to wifely and motherly duties exemplified by my mother and women like her. Her love for us was shown everyday in the many tasks she did everyday of her life.

I will endeavor to carry on these small traditions of practicality and the legacy of love and service to others I have inherited through the stories hidden for a while in Mom’s photo albums, along with funny notes, love letters to my Dad in Korea, and dried flowers pressed inside of them.

My Mom died suddenly, I did not get to say good-bye, and still feel that pain. But as long as we, my sister's and I, remember her, she will live on in our minds and hearts. I just wish we would of had more time...

Goodbye Mom...

DR


As noble as it may sound, however, I have today discovered that it will never be printed words or flowery expressions of memory that will provide a meaningful link to Mom’s existence. It will be the simple items she left behind that will remind us of her love for us.