As Mother’s Day approaches, I can’t help but think of mom and remember all that she was. While she’s been gone seven years, her love, wisdom, beliefs and the funny things she would say, still echoes throughout our family. She was special, like most moms are; caring, loving, strong, but there was more. 

Mom was born in Newport, RI and went to school on the east coast. Being in a military family, she traveled all over. She met dad when he was in the service in Norfolk. They married and made their home in Buffalo.  

She adapted quickly to new places and people. I would watch her draw people in with her easy-going and compassionate nature. People she didn’t know would tell her their life story. This happened often. I didn’t realize it, but she was teaching a life lesson - take time for people, it’s important.

Mom was a firecracker, who was outspoken and unafraid to question. She was open-minded and didn’t judge. She was highly attuned and noticed things most people didn’t – which made her an exceptional writer.

Mom loved to read and to learn. She studied everything - archaeology, history, science, literature, you name it and she had read something about it. She called herself the “eternal student.” Mom retained a lot of what she read and would freely share her knowledge.  A true teacher.

Faith was always there and God was the higher source. She taught us to pray and to believe. And, to know, love was and is the greatest gift.

Moms have intuition, it’s their superpower. Our mom’s intuition was strong and on another level. She amazed us and many others. She knew things and could read people well. She would know if something was bothering you, but she wouldn’t push to know what it was. She was content to let it be until you were ready. A counselor and friend wrapped up into mom.

There was always room for laughing. Any chance to be silly or joke around, she was there.  And, a few times, she pulled some major pranks. It’s no wonder we still like to play.

Like any relationships, there were disagreements. Mom would allow you to voice your thoughts, provided it was in a respectful tone, but she would have the final say. I didn’t think about it then, but she was helping us to speak up and to know what it was like to be heard. Mom was ahead of her time. 

   The door was always open. At any given moment, someone could be stopping by to say hello, have a cup of coffee and visit. Those who knew mom and dad can attest to the warmth and hospitality. The open door policy still holds true in our family.

 Helping anyone or anything was second nature in our house. Whether it was taking in extra kids, people, sharing a meal or feeding a stray animal, these kindnesses weren’t just talked about, they were practiced. And, the kindnesses linger on through us.

Family and love was everything. The mantra to which mom and dad lived by.  A kiss, a hug and “I love you” - we never went without. 

There are countless lessons and moments. A lifetime’s worth. Mom impacted our life in a big way, but I think most moms do.  She helped to fill our home and hearts with so much joy and goodness, it overflowed into our own lives – that’s a legacy.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful moms, past and present. We celebrate you!