I Love You, Angel Mom!

Greetings from the Burbs of Chicago!  Happy Mother's Day to moms everywhere!  

As I read all of the wonderful tributes to moms, those who are still here, and those who have passed on, my eyes well up and I have this incredible lump in my throat.  I desperately miss my mom each year at this time, not just because of Mother's Day, but because this was the time when she went home to God. 

Jeanne (Skip) Thomas was an incredible woman, ahead of her time, gifted-but never mentioned it, and was "always" there to listen to my drama.  She gave advice only when asked, yet was sneaky enough to exercise the "power of suggestion" when she felt that I was about to choose a path that couldn't have had a happy ending.  She knew.  How did she know, and why didn't I get that gene?  It doesn't matter.  She shared her gifts with everyone, and she was beloved by all who knew her.

I remember a sunny afternoon at my brother's wedding reception.  She and my dad were just enjoying the day.  I watched as young couples (friends of my brother) would join them for a few minutes, as if to pay homage, and then leave with giant smiles on their faces.  She had that effect on people!  I later found out that she had been chosen to be the "marriage counselor" for the day.  I'm sure she touched a lot of hearts that day. (She was a teacher by profession, but could have gone into psychotherapy - an area for which most teachers already qualify!)

Mom was editor of her college newspaper.  She turned a few heads when she wrote an editorial expressing her opinion, which was critical of a group associated with the government. The "powers" wanted her to retract her story.  She stood firm and refused.  She lost her position because of it, but won the hearts of many for her courage.  She ended up marrying my dad, who was someone from the group that she bashed!

My mother stood by and watched as I fell flat on my face and had to feel the pain of disappointment, but she was always there to help me pick up the pieces.  Today, we (and I speak for myself) enable our kids so they don't have to feel the effects of failure.  She had it right...and it has finally sunk in.  A great lesson for all!

Mom is now in a wonderful place, playing bridge with her BFFs, dancing with my Dad, and watching my brother surf the great Pipeline in Heaven!  Can it get any better than this? 

Thank you mom.  I love you!

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope that all moms reading this have a wonderful day, enjoying the people they love!  Please stop by Sundays in My City, hosted by Unknown Mami from the great city of San Francisco.  Just click on the logo below to enjoy the day with others!