My Mom, My Friend - I Miss Her

by Gail Gagnon
(East Hartford, CT )

My mom came to live with us 7 years ago. We created a new family, my son (8 at the time), mom and me. We helped each other - she was there when Adam came home from school while I worked, she loved to putter around the house, take care of laundry and cook. Best of all -she loved to garden and take care of the birds that visited our yard. We took care of mom by loving her, helping with her expenses, and including her in all that we did. It really was a blessing for all of us. Mom became a best friend. She knew my heartaches, hopes, dreams, frustrations, and faults.

Eighteen months ago we almost lost her - her doctors and the medication they prescribed gave us 18 more months with mom. She was able to garden and feed the birds throughout spring and summer.

Mom died on December 6, 2010 at 4:15 a.m. She was surrounded by her family including my sisters, brothers-in-law, and grandchildren. She was ready to begin the next journey - tending the gardens in heaven and watching the birds and her family from above.

I miss my mom terribly. I feel her spiritual presence with me often but still struggle with the lack of physical presence. My mom loved crackers - with butter, peanut butter, cream cheese or just plain crackers - the crumbs drove me crazy - no matter how hard I worked to keep us crumb free - they were there. Now, I miss the crumbs.

Remember to share your love, laughter and in memory of someone you have lost - pay a kindness forward. Most of all - appreciate the crumbs.