Holidays

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Since my mother passed away 13 years ago, I have struggled with the best celebration of her life on Mother's Day. Yes, my life is surrounded by other mothers, including the mother of my children. It make things easier as I have a lot to think about in their regard. It keeps me busy but not so much that the memories of my Mom are eclipsed.

This year I am doing a couple of things differently. I will light a candle for her under a photo of her in her youth. And I will write this story about her.

Lillie Opal was a beautiful young woman. Her Irish family line showed through in her fiery red hair and her fiery temper. She was petite, with very fine features. It is little wonder that my Italian father was attracted to her and took her as his wife. She had a wonderful sense of humor that carried her through an eventual divorce, and a period of single parenthood. She was strong in heart, although her diabetes weakened her body. But she stood tall for a short woman, bringing up her children to love God, respect authority, and help others. She finally fell to the complications of her disease.

This is her legacy to me. And I thank her for it. I miss her. Every once in a while I hope she continues to watch over me and her grandchildren. I guess that is saying something. In this day and age, when many people have mothers they have to recover from, I have a mother to remember.

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