In Memorial

Being raised in a traditional Irish Catholic family there were certain traditions that were maintained throughout my childhood and throughout our family. It wasn't that we were told that we had to do these things but more that they became ingrained in each of us. One such tradition was reflecting and remembering loved ones and the date they passed on. I don't remember ever giving it a second thought when my parents would reflect on family members no longer with us; it is no surprise then that these patterns became my own.
35 years ago today, my mother died from a stroke; it was very sudden and unexpected. I was just 22 years old when this occurred; not mature enough to really have known my mother as an adult. We did not have the best mother-daughter relationship for a variety of reasons but in the years that followed I wished that we could have had a relationship when I was truly an adult. It took me many years to understand my mom and her behaviors, her strengths and her weaknesses.
She was such a giving person to so many, to those in need she was always there. Staunch in her beliefs and characterized by a strong Irish personality, she was one who loved to have fun as well. She loved to tell stories of the Old Country, speak with a brogue and dance a jig.
As I've grown, I see so much of her personality in mine-a strong faith, many strong Irish tendencies and a love for others. I also inherited a love of writing and reading from my dad.
My brother shares many of her traits as well~a strong business sense and work ethic as well as a very witty humor.
Often when I hear others complain about their parents, while I might understand I also realize that once they are gone you realize how much you loved them just for being your parents.

Have a wonderful, joy-filled weekend my friends.
Hugs, Noreen