Me, my Mom and Jared - Mother's Day 2007
Mom at her surprise 50th birthday party - only about three weeks before she died.
Mom and the only grandchild who ever knew her (Jared) - 
Grandma and Grandson having a hot tub party!! Winter 2006/2007
My Mom and Dad - Fall 2007
A year ago on Sunday I celebrated Mother's Day with my Mom and my son. I will only ever celebrate two Mother's Days as both Mom and daughter of a Mom. (Yes, I know I will always be her daughter, but you all know what I mean.) My first Mother's Day as a Mom was when Jared was two days old and I experienced it in the hospital. Last year he had turned one the day before. And my Mom was there for each event. She wasn't there this year. Thank you to my Grandma (I love you so much - Mom was so much like you and you raised an amazing woman in her), Aunt Fran, Elaine, Bobbi, Jenn, and Dwight for phoning me or asking me how I was handling the whole day and just letting me talk about my Mom. Four out of those six people are people I have known all of my life. And they all knew my Mom well. That helps a lot. And thank you to my "other" Mom, Gerrie Longueil, for the flowers, chocolate and card and to Carrie for the card. Thank you for remembering. And thankyou to those of you who facebooked me with a note of support.
My Mom was an amazing woman of God. She did just live her life according to His word - His word weaved effortlessly THROUGH her life. She studied the Bible and spent hours in prayer. She was an example of how one's life can entwine with God. Her love for my Dad, my brother and I was so evident in everything. She would call for no reason - just because we hadn't talked in a day or two. She verbally told me she loved me repeatedly. She cried when I cried and laughed when I laughed. She wanted so badly for Ryan and my sister-in-law Karen to know that she loved them too, and that they were completely a part of our family, supported and cared for in the same way that Shaun and I were. And she so loved Jared. I can't stand to think of what he and Ayda are missing because she is not here anymore. She would play with Jared and read to him and teach him. There is so much that I have no idea how I will enstill in my kids without her help. She had gifts that I don't. She was gently and practical and helpful. She knew how to guide without forcing. She excelled at playing the piano - she could play by ear without difficulty, which I often envied. She was so good at interior design and was in the process of having so much fun decorating the new cabin. She took excellent pictures and was getting better and better. She was an amazing volunteer at the church I grew up in. She took regular walks around town and so many people got to know her through that - she would often stop to talk to them or say a quick hi. I don't think she realized just how much that impacted people. The size of her funeral is witness to the amazing influence she had on so many people.
I can't go on - it hurts too much. I love you so much Mom. And I miss you beyond words.
5 comments:
What a sweet picture of your mom and Jared (Sept '06). I'm sure Mother's Day was a difficult day for you, Allie. I'm glad you have so many friends and family to talk to and share your pain with. I didn't know your mom that well, but I could see how much she loved you, Ryan and her little grandson. And all the things she would have showed and taught Jared and Ayda she'll show and teach thru you. You'll always be your mom's daughter, and your kids will be a reflection of that. You're in our thoughts and prayers, Allie.
**HUGS**
Allison, you are a great legacy to your mother and everything she was - you will be able to pass that on to your children.
You're a wonderful mother and a great role model - you're all in my prayers.
~Shelen
You have honoured your mom beyond measure.
I'm sure in the midst of the loss you have felt her presence.
Happy belated Mother's Day!
It's beautiful to me to hear of such a strong connection between mother and daughter, and I have no doubt that this day will be special for you and your children for many years to come. Mother's Day for me is very difficult for very different reasons, and I thank you for reminding me what the day can and should mean. Your relationship with your mother is what I'd always dreamed it should be like. Happy Belated Mother's Day!
I'm sure your mom would be so proud of you, Allison. You can carry on her heritage by continuing parenting as well as you do. There is so much of her in you. I will continue praying for your strength and comfort.
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