My Funny Mommy
Today, October 17, 2025, marks one year of my mom being gone. She had a good run, 96 years! I mentioned this to someone and they asked me to tell them a story about my mom. What a kind thing to ask. What freedom to still celebrate my mom. So I am going to ramble a little about my mom, about the things that brought her to mind this year. It’s a very good thing to do today. And it’s different than the YIKES of her eulogy.
All this year I have noticed mom popping into my life still. Every time I saw a sheep anything while I was on the Isle of Iona I was tempted to buy it for mom. Her collection of sheep related paraphernalia was extensive. Not just figurines or stuffed but images on plates and mugs, note cards and calendars, pictures and rugs. She even had an oversized sheep ottoman. I miss giving her a smile by giving her a new “lammie” for her flock.
When I get into the car and it is very warm I sit just a minute before opening the windows to cool it off. Mom used to love getting into a warm car. First because she liked driving so much but second because, “Oh this feels so good.” She loved that warm embrace. I always laughed, “It’s so hot!!” Still I sit there a minute and think of her.
I’ve had the urge to do jigsaw puzzles recently. Mom loved a good jigsaw. I sent her new ones often. Now I have some of those back at my house. They make me think of her even if I just look at them on the shelf for now; because who has the time for 1,000 piece jigsaw?
A trip to Hobby Lobby makes me think of mom too. She was forever going to Hobby Lobby just to browse. She was a crafter back in the day. I learned a lot of my skills from her. She also loved to buy chach-keys (trying having spell check find that one?!). So many little bits of home decoration! I’ve gotten so I can finally look at them in the store and not bring them home. I guess clearing out mom’s stuff got me thinking of when I’ll have to start clearing out my own stuff; like NOW!
Mom was a big reader. When I finish a good book I’d often send it to her. Or if it was a library book I’d give her a recommendation. We talked about books often. I miss doing that. She loved to read a good family saga. I still like to read series of books because of her influence.
The list of tiny ways mom is still with me is nice to remember. I am glad she is still here in spirit. Every once in a while I remember something that is a bad memory and that’s part of a full life. But when I look back I usually smile. She taught me joy and that is something I can continue to share even if she isn’t here.