Writing the Tribute

Okay. It is time for me to contribute in earnest to the memory of Mother. First of all, thanks to all of you for posting such wonderful creations. Nothing would have pleased Mother more. I have been thinking about what I would write for a long time, and have really struggled with what to say, but finally, maybe have worked through some things...like denial that she's really gone from this world and getting past the last years of her suffering to remember her for more of what her real character was. Again, thanks to Molly for the challenge and honor to do this. I think we should continue with more good topics.



I will begin with the Christmas card. This was number 19 out of 20. I put together a couple of notebooks with the cards that told a little of the history of each card. For this one I wrote a quote from one of my students, "This looks like God could just step down from the sky." That is how this painting felt to me. I also quoted a carpenter that was remodeling our house that said, "This is the way it will look when Jesus returns." Mother painted me a duplicate of this original because I liked it so much (don't know where the original is) and I have it hanging in my house now. I look at the opening in the sky and really do see eternity where Mother is. I also stretch it a little and see a "cross" in the wire above the gate. It is my comfort. These cards are Mother's touch reaching out to us today and I loved every one of them.



Now to lighter things. Mother invited me to go on a trip with her and Granny to see Betty and Wally in Connecticut. It was a time filled with many, many laughs.
Mother saw these liberty hats in the souvenir store. I couldn't believe she bought them! We had a good laugh with Betty. Mother just had so much fun on this trip and she was so good with Granny who was really beginning to enter into the middle stages of Alzheimers. Betty and Wally took us to New York. It was such a treat for us to all be together and I treasure the experiences we had there.


Well, confession....it has taken me 3 hours to get this much done on this post, as my scanner and I do not communicate well, and the picture posting has been a real challenge. I had several others to show, but will bring them to the next family reunion. What's the next topic for posting, and I'll read up on the editing of my pictures? Love to all you kin folks!.....and Happy Birthday Mother, Number 75, today, December 12th. We'll see you soon.