9/4/1946 - 12/21/2007
On December 2, 2007, I was walking through the maze of hallways in Community Hospital with my Aunt Mikie.All I could think about was how to comfort my mom.
I asked myself, “What can I say to someone who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer?” “I love you,” just didn’t seem to be enough. When we arrived at her room. I hesitated and peeked around the corner. The hospital bed cradling her like a newborn baby in a parent’s arms. Her big brown eyes and butterfly-like eyelashes saying, “I’m glad your home.” All I could muster was a teary-eyed hug. And when my ear brushed up against her cheek, she whispered, ”I’m okay…I’m okay.”
These simple words speak volumes about my mom’s character. My mom made the best out of any situation. She was a fighter. Here she was, fighting for her life and she was comforting me.
I will always remember the sacrifices she made for our family. Even when she was the one who needed help, she made sure everyone else was okay first.
Her sacrifices were evident by her unwavering and unconditional love. Some people measure success by the amount of stuff one acquires through life.
My mom measured success by how she contributed to the betterment of her family. When her family succeeded, she succeeded. When they had troubles, she was there to support them. Be that through a helping hand, a compassionate ear or an open wallet.She will always be remembered, as the heart and soul of our family. She was the one who made Christmas special by setting up the Christmas tree, hanging stockings and stuffing them with socks, underwear and deodorant for her boys. Lighting up the house with her passion for the Holidays.
My mom has lived anything but an easy life, but she was always able to bring levity to any stressful situation. During my visit with my mom in the hospital in early December, we were watching a Law & Order marathon on TNT. We both got really good at solving crimes. She turned to me and said, “Forrest Gump said it best, Stevie...Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get."
I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my mom. She was my cheerleader, my counselor and my friend. I have come to realize that living a fulfilling life is not about acquiring stuff. It’s about connecting with people and sharing life with those you care about. Forging new relationships, doing your very best even when the odds are stacked against you and being grateful for what you have. If my mom was competing in the Olympics of motherhood,
she would hold every world record.It is easy to be angry by what has happened to my mom. In times of despair it is difficult to find a reason to be grateful. To honor the legacy of my mom, I am going to be grateful for the life she has given my family and I, through the sacrifices she made.
In high school I read a quote on a classmates t-shirt. It read: “A true champion is someone who gets up even when they can’t.” I wrote this quote in calligraphy for an art class. Its been hanging on my bedroom wall ever since. It has always had a special meaning to me. Now I can say, I knew a true champion.
I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to Father Mens for presiding over mass, my family and friends who are here today, paying their respects and to those who could not attend, but have shared their positive thoughts and prayers in honor of my mom.
A friend of mine told me recently, the most important story in the world is your own. You all played a role in my mom’s life story and she played a role in yours. Help me honor her legacy by sharing those stories. Let's never forget the sacrifices she made, the laughter she created or the lessons she taught.
Thank you.
