Dearest Mother
Today, October 26 marks eight years since your passing. I always dread this day, and the days leading up to it, knowing it’s the sad anniversary of you physically departing this world. No more to hear your voice , your laugh, to feel your touch. I miss you every day. And wish by some magic trick I could click my heels three times and you’d be here, sitting next to me again. I wonder, and pray you’ve met up with Gary. And Walt. Gary left this world two years after you. Almost two years to the day. On October 10. How blessed am I that my Mother and husband were friends, and that we shared so many good times together. I can’t recall if it was 1981 or 82 that you started making calls for Gary. He admired your repor with the clients, and how they loved talking with you! A fun remembrance just popped into my head. How Gary loved your homemade fudge, and how every year you’d make a batch just for him. He would guard it like it was gold from Fort Knox! And raved and raved how it was the best fudge ever, and wanted you to go into the fudge making business. I know you’d remember that, Mom, and how he pressed for you to call it Mama Nor’s Homemade Fudge. You’d always laugh and say, Well, maybe someday, Gary
Yesterday, October 25 was my birthday. I thought of you throughout the day, and how for many years I’d send you a bouquet of flowers on my birthday with a note : Congratulations, Mom (and whatever my age was 26, 36, 76) years ago today you gave birth to a brown eyed baby girl you’d been praying for. Thank you, Mom! I love you!
I continue to thank you, Mama for the day of my birth and every day after. Thank you for being not just of my life, but an intimate part of my life (until the end of your life). Loving, nurturing, caring, encouraging, listening, correcting, guiding, protecting. Sharing laughter and tears; small moments and big moments. Everyday moments. Dear friend Patty cherishes the quiet, ordinary times she remembers when staying at our house. How comfortable and easy it was. She remembers there was no stress, no feeling you had to be something or someone other than who you were. How some evenings you’d be in one chair reading, while she was reading in another and me with my book on the couch. Walt on the floor watching Tv.
Simple times, Mom. Ordinary, but very special moments.
You were always present, Mama. I can’t think of a time when you said you were too busy to talk, do, or listen. Because you had such a joyful heart you brought joy to my heart, and to all who knew you. I learned to love because of your unconditional love for me. I grew in faith because of your good example of faith.
Not that there wasn’t hurt and sadness and tears - we had that. But it never ended with that. You always persevered. Carried on. Sometimes it was a real struggle for you to make ends meet. A single, working Mom raising two children. I’m not sure Walt and I always appreciated your sacrifice; how hard you worked to provide for us. Did we take for granted the warm, loving, stable, comfortable home you made for us ? I hope not. I hope you knew Mother how much we cherished you. How grateful we were (are) growing up as we did. With a Mother like you. The security you gave us. Your faithful spirit that surrounded us. The same spirit you showered upon your grandsons, Gavin and Garrett. They knew your love for them. Not just words, but by your being present to them. You were Gavin’s best friend. The one he confided in most.
Well, Mom it would make you happy, and glad that I visit with friends and cousins. You felt having good friends was important; to have a good friend and be a good friend in return. You’d like the ladies, Mom. Of course some you knew, and knew very well. The Bell gals and Patty and Phyllis. Life long friends since youth. And sweet Jeanne. I was always glad you got to meet the Goldens. I wish you could know some of the newer pals. They’re delightful ladies. You would like them a lot. And they’d adore you. And you’d like I sit down to play the piano most evenings. You, and Gary always encouraged me to play. So many of the songs - the lyrics I play with you, and Gary in mind.
I do sense your presence at times, your spirit here with me. That same spirit of love that was so much a part of you, Mom. I continue to find little notes from you around the house, or sentences you underlined in a favorite book with a handwritten message directed toward me. I seem to find them when I need you most. And I smile. Knowing you really are still near.
I love you always and always, Mama. Forever and ever.
I carry you in my heart
Your daughter, Kathleen Rosalie
October 26, 2026
