Twenty years ago today you slipped away from us-silently, courageously, calmly. “I’ve had a lot of love,” you reacted three days earlier when the doctor shared the crude findings. “And I will see Daddy.”
Only five years shy of your age then, I’m increasingly aware of your strength. You consistently gave, uncomplaining and unselfish. I ‘m uncertain how much pain and turmoil you endured.
You seemed to maintain hope through thick and thin.
There were so many moments that brought smiles to your face. Clearly, you adored your husband and four children, although raising a family in the 1950s and 1960s was quite a contrast for the beaming DC secretary poised on the steps of the Capitol. You loved visits with Granny and Grandad and the PA cousins, your steadfast friends, bridge club, cooking and good books. You were radiant when we gathered as adults with growing children around the dining room table for crab cakes.
I’ve enjoyed our time “together” since 2005-both pain and joy-filled. It’s nice, too, to recall those moments when you, Pat and I met across the country, sharing an adventure, a new vista, good eats, a little indulgence and loads of laughs.
Miss you, Mother.
nonnaswanderings 