Mom in 2013

A little over three years ago now, on March 21, 2010, my mom died. Even though I was in my fifties and had raised a son of my own, it was devastating at that moment to lose someone who had been my bulwark so many times in my life.  My mom and I had our moments, but I never doubted I was loved and appreciated. She had always been a hard worker, both as a mother and in her job outside, which was at a chicken processing plant, but after my father’s death when I was thirteen she redoubled her efforts. I never went hungry or without clean clothes. I always had a bed to come home to. I don’t know how she found the energy and discipline to keep it up year after year after year, especially since she was what we call a “worrier,” and often put herself under a lot of extra stress from worrying about things she didn’t need to worry about.

Although I am still saddened when I think that I cannot just call her on the phone, or go home and see her, I am happy for the wonderful person she was and that toward the end of her life she was able to take things a little easier, even if she didn’t often avail herself of those opportunities. I also look at the family she raised, and the families they have raised in turn, and I think she has an amazing legacy. She was a force of nature and we’re still living in the climate she created for us.

Mom, you’re still remembered and loved!