In Memory

Yesterday would have been my mother’s seventy-first birthday. I determined, as it approached, neither to exaggerate nor to suppress whatever emotions I might experience that day. To say that I miss her is a gross understatement – she was an incredible woman, and her company was priceless. Without regret, we thoroughly and regularly enjoyed losing track of time together.

The day was not without great distraction, and in the middle of it, I found myself sitting on my bed after a phone call. I looked at my desk, and resting there was a little journal that my mother kept at the request of my brother and his wife. I picked it up, without thought of the significance of the day, actually, and began to read . . .

Recall some of the most important lessons you have learned in life:

“A lie does not change the truth.

When I was in first grade,

one girl did not receive a valentine card.

She was so hurt. When the teacher

asked why no one had given her a card,

I lied and said I did

so Anita (the student) would feel better.

I’ve never liked that day.

Of course, we never found the card.

Honesty is the way;

with others & with self

-- inside and outwardly.”

“Respect for others and their

space is a tremendous gift.”

“Time helps.”

“Keep your negative thoughts

to yourself whenever possible.

It can be devastating to have

someone hurt because of your words

& then it’s terrible

to be confronted with this by others.

Don’t join in others’ negative attitudes –

It’s never good.”

~ End Quote