Dear Mom

Sunday, August 28th, 2016, you would have turned 91 years of age. We gathered to celebrate your life, we laughed and cried, sang and milled about recalling your courage as a single mother and the lessons you taught us. We talked about what a great role model you have been and what a good person you will be remembered as. While we missed your physical presence I know you are at peace resting in a state of perfection with Mark by your side.

My big sister, Sophie, found this laminated prayer among Moms' belongings.

Mom wrote the names of her children around the edge. My sister, Marcie

read the prayer at Mom's burial site on August, 28th, 2016.

I miss you Mom, from a place deep in my core, from a place that is empty yet filled with love and longing. I see your smile, your frown, your beautiful face, the goofy ways you crossed your eyes to rattle my cage and snap me out of myself. I hear your voice so clearly and feel the gentle warmth of your soft hands. I believe you are with me throughout the day and in the still of the night. You are in my heart and soul. I need you to help me through life just as you did in the most subtle and spectacular ways, when you were here in your physical form.

The times you come to mind are frequent and permeates throughout the day-in day-out grind, just as before. I know you are present in more ways than I can fully comprehend. What a special place you will always have in my very being. I hope I am a good reflection of you and your great spirit, your compassion, your sense of fairness and kindness. In the good times and fiery times we loved each other through them all as the love and respect prevailed and you kept us all in tact. Your children, family and friends revere you and look up to the sold citizen you were, your sense of decency and loyalty to those you loved and cared for are still in place.

I love you so dearly Mom, the layers of life we shared, the faith you maintained throughout your life on earth proved time and again how important it is to hold on to hope, to do the right thing and get on with life peacefully. I hold on to you tightly yet tenderly and I am happy for you where you are in all of your glory with the Lord, where you prayed to be some day. I am thankful for you that we were appointed to one another and I am grateful for the hard and soft lessons I learned from you. THANK YOU MOM! I know your first birthday in Heaven was something wonderful, even more wonderful than the precious memories of you.

Sincerely yours,

Marlena