April 9th 1994...

It's hard to believe that in two more days it will be 16 years since I last saw her face. At 54 years old she was taken from this world. Leaving behind a husband, one daughter, one son in law, and two grand daughters. She was my best friend...my Mother.

She was such a beautiful soul. Soft spoken, and caring, with a warmth you felt the moment you met her. I can't ever recall her saying anything negative.. about anyone. She always found the good in people. My father often told her she was too trusting, but my mother continued to wear her heart on her sleeve. She just didn't know any other way. A person couldn't help but like her. She was so warm and genuine.

Her favorite pastime was knitting. She'd often knit things for the entire community, especially for those who were less fortunate. Sweaters, caps, scarfs, mittens, baby blankets, baby booties, and the list goes on. It was as if her goal in life was to fill the world with warmth..... through a pair of knitting needles and a few balls of yarn.

After she passed, finding those knitting needles - the wool still attached (waiting patiently for her like a faithful old dog) was heartbreaking. I remember my fingers stroking the softness of the wool, knowing I would never again hear her click those needles. Never again would I listen to the creeking of the rocking chair as she hummed her favorite tune (off key). Never again would we both laugh, as the cat chased the ball of yarn across the room. Never again....

At that moment I knew I could not part with those needles, and I never will. They are, and will always be, a constant reminder of her ...and of the goodness she had inside of her. I love you Mom...and I miss you every day.

Those we love remain with us
For love itself lives on,
And cherished memories never fade
Just because a loved one's gone.
Those we love can never be
More than a thought apart,
For as long as there is memory,
They'll live on within our heart.

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