Happy Mother's Day, Mom

I love this picture of my Mom! She looks so very happy!

This is always a tough time of year for me. My Dad died on May 8th 2010, the day before Mother's Day. I remember driving home from Columbus to Indianapolis the Saturday he died. I needed to go home and pack to return the next day, Mother's Day, to help make the arrangements, and stay for the funeral. My husband and I stopped at a suit store in Indy, before we went home, to pick up his suits that were being tailored.  I remember walking along the sidewalk in the outdoor mall, and sitting in the store watching the people thinking these people are living their lives when I just lost my Dad. I wanted to scream, "I just lost my Dad! Show some respect!" It was a very strange feeling, and I can remember the feeling like it was yesterday.

My Mom and Dad. She just may be pregnant in this picture with my oldest sister!

Five years later on March 5, 2015, on my 32nd wedding anniversary, I lost my Mom. What is it with my parents and holidays? My dad was born on Columbus Day and my Mom on D-Day. As weird as that is, my Mother In-law was born on St Patrick's Day and my Father In-law on Groundhogs Day. It makes it easy to remember Birthdays, but unfortunately it also reminds me of my parents passing too.

My favorite picture of Mom and me! 

So, on this Mother's Day I will be spending brunch with my husband, my in-laws, my daughter, son in-law and grandchildren. I will be thinking of my Mom, and not just about how much I miss her, which I do, but on what a great Mom she was and how much I learned from her. She was so loving and compassionate and I try very hard to carry on those traits. My Mom was also very talented in so may ways, she was smart, wise, driven, creative, artistic, and inspirational.  She was a strong woman of high morals and deep faith that made her a role model for her girls.

Mom and her girls! Mother's Day is all about the girls!

Most of all she was a Mom. I would guess that if you asked her of all the things she had done in her life what she was most proud of, she would say being a Mom. She had a way of making us think we were special. My Mom was proud of every one of her seven kids, and we all knew it. She loved us all unconditionally, as we did her. She had the best sense of humor that was in full strength until the day she died, and it was one of the most special parts of her personality. As her memory slid she would make jokes to cover her forgetfulness and it was so endearing to everyone around her. She loved to make people laugh! This trait also carried on to her children and to her grandchildren, we all love to laugh!

Four generations of Moms. My Grandma (whom I am named after), my Mom, Me and my Daughter, who is a Mother now!

Along with missing my wonderful Mom on Mother's Day, I will be remembering her legacy of love. The memories that bring smiles and tears, and hopefully lots of laughter!

Happy Mother's Day Mom! I love you! Kiss Pop for me, tell him I love him and make him laugh!