My mom was the one in the neighborhood who always was available to drive to and from any activity, and she insisted on taking anyone home who did not have a ride. She worked full-time as an elementary school teacher but always managed to make the time, be there for anything and everything, and show sincere interest. She was also welcome at all sporting events until the day she walked on a wrestling mat to tell the referee how to do his job . After that she was banned – LOL.
Because of her example of always being available, I am the one my girls looked to whenever they needed a ride anywhere, even Philadelphia and Boston for just a weekend to visit camp friends… if I was in town, they could count on me driving, and if they needed me for any event, I’d cancel a trip if necessary. And even now, when communication is very difficult with my girls, I’m the one Niki (my younger daughter, 24) calls when an emergency arises.
Mom, as she was deteriorating physically after Dad passed, had DNR’s put in place that we monitored and made sure every caregiver, doctor and hospital had copies of. At 85 (one year after my Dad passed) she got an infection, told my brother and his wife (a physician) that she was done and did not want to be treated, and passed 10 days later. My older brother called me, I was speaking at an event in San Diego, and I flew to her side first thing the next morning.
We had an amazing 8 days with Mom talking about her, us, and whatever else we felt the need to talk about, and just spending time together (I will always treasure those moments)… and she passed peacefully.
Memories keep the one you loved close to your heart, today and forever. #NoLetUp! 🙏🏻
“The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children.” ~Jessica Lange
Thank you Mom… for always being there, always being available, and always teaching me the importance of unselfishness. #RIPBernice 💞
