Dear Mother,
And, you truly were a dear. I was the luckiest person in the world to be chosen to spend your remaining days with on this earth! Each morning, when I’d bring you tea and toast, you’d look at me with those big cornflower blue eyes, and say “Thank you so much, Carol. (insert kissing motion here) I love you!” It definitely made those days of ‘sundowners’ moments a thing of the recent past.
I also want to thank you for teaching me about decency, kindness, charity, propriety, integrity, tolerance, truth, humanity, fair-mindedness, and love. Through your art, you brought light and inspiration to all who were in your midst. You encompassed the meaning of graciousness, and had the ability to embrace everyone equally.
You embodied the meaning of a “true lady”, and my children have had the honor of sharing this legacy.
Mom, Patricia, I miss you so much every day. Especially, each St. Patrick’s Day, now that we celebrate your birthday with you in memory only. These last 2 years have been the hardest years of my life, even considering all the other things that have transpired. You were there through it all, and stuck by me in the greatest adversities. I can only aspire to do the same for my children if need be.
Thank you for sending the cardinals to visit me, and random signs of your presence. I know that you continue to love and support me as I grow older. And, I do know that you and my first granddaughter, Emilia, met in heaven before she came to us on this earth.
As I watched you take your last breath, my heart hurt so much, knowing that it was truly the last time I’d ever be with you again on this earth, but I also knew who was waiting for you…
I love you, mama…
Carol