To all of our friends and family: As one of the many lives
that mom touched, we are honored that you have chosen to
join us today to remember her as only you can. In no particular order, we have compiled a "free association" list of memories that are the essence of mom.
Mom was a rolling stone that gathered no moss. Her life included over thirty change of address forms. She was artistic in many different ways, including the genuine humility and joy with which she shared her creative gifts. She was not judgmental, and had the gift of being able to see the genuine value inside those around her...unless you were Republican. She would engage you in debate; any time, any where, any topic and never held a grudge. The cooler the pen, the better she liked to write with it. Shopping was an adventure; the quest was for the oddest, most unique, twisty, bendy, poky, shiny, bumpy, brightly colored thing, usually some shade of green. Kitchen knives. Fleet Farm...enough said. Soap that smelled like ginger kiwi vanilla. Or butterscotch patchouly. Dominoes. Super Mario. Was a single parent before the world had day care, or velcro. Would happily try anything once…twice if it felt good, tasted good, or looked cool doing it. Music was energizing, inspirational and a form of solace. She was openly loving with all her children, and was fair and just when dealing with us. She encouraged us to love each other and told us many times, "You kids are my life". Her life's mantra was "how may I help you".
Mom's other passions were horses and dogs. The trust of animals is given freely, but only to those who truly care for them. It is easy to fool humans. The right words spoken eloquently and with conviction can be very persuasive...but a quick look at Hollywood should suffice to expose the true colors of those who recite masterful lines of script.
Mom was no actress. She was an artist who found herself in animal portraiture. Take a moment to look at the artistry in the photographs she took. It looks as though she could speak to the horses and dogs and say "show me who you really are…" and then capture the wild yet gentle spirit that lives behind big brown eyes. She spoke "horse" and "dog" to everyone. Sometimes critical, but always the truth. Compassion is easier to feel than it is to describe. Of all the things we could choose to celebrate about mom, what seems most important now are these two things we felt when we were with her. Her passion for living life to the fullest, and the compassion she had for others. In the end, we will be judged not by men and women, but by Jesus Christ. His passion for continuing to pursue us as His children, and His compassion for us when we screw up. As for mom, she lived a dogs life.
For your prayerful consideration:
Things We Can Learn From A Dog
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Eat with gusto & enthusiasm.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent,
sit close by & nuzzle them gently.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
Run, romp & play daily.
Bond with your pack.
Be Loyal.
-Author Unknown
8 May, 2009
Submitted by her daughter, Roxie
