Mary~Born September 1921 - Passed Into the Spirit World February 7, 1976

Photograph taken of my Mother in the 1940's.

Dear Ma,
It's so hard to believe that it's been
27 years since you left that morning.

It was very cold that day too
and snow covered the ground,
just like today.

I remember sitting beside you.
The cancer had taken its toil, for days prior
to this one, you had been in and out of consciousness.
But that morning, our last together on this earth,
you were able to eat a little,
and we talked a little and mostly,
I held your hand.

I was young, 24, would be 25 that April.
In a few short months, I will be 52,
the same age you were when you passed
into the spirit world that morning.

I was terrified of losing you,
but at the same time, so very grateful
that I could be with you and help you
and support you, as you had always done
for me all my life.

You were a good Mother - you worked hard,
you did the very best you could do for us;
you were a good wife, a good sister, aunt and friend.
You were the matriach of our family.
If there was a problem that needed solving,
if someone needed help, you were always there
for everyone.

When things seemed impossible,
you always managed somehow to make it possible.
You had a good and generous heart,a fiesty temper "smiles"
and you were a woman who had a strong sense of
spirituality and a love for God.

I was afraid of death then.
I didn't know what to expect
and oh how I didn't want to lose you!

I sat there by your side and whatever fear
I had of death ended that morning.

I remember how you opened your eyes - so wide
and seemed to be looking at something
I certainly did not see.
Your tired, worn face, glowed,
your eyes filled with joy and ecstasy,
a look of such sheer joy and love and peace
that I have never seen before or since.

You left so quickly,
before I realized you were gone from this world.
But Ma, I'm not afraid
of dying anymore.......
because I realized that day there is no death.

I still miss you so much....
I think of you all the time
and how much I have missed you over the years!
We were close, and oh how much I wish
that I had you still in my life,
when your first and only grandchild was born,
when I was able to accomplish so many things
I hoped would make you proud of me.

But Ma I've learned, you never left me.
And I also understand what a gift
I had been given.

Just as we were together when you gave me life,
I was blessed to be with you
when you were born into the Spirit World.

So, Ma...on this 27th anniversary of your re-birth,
I remember, as I will forever....that day.

I love you Ma....forever,
Your daughter, Jeanne

For My Mother