Thursday, March 17, 2011

A Saint Patrick's Day Tribute...

Today is my mom's birthday. She would have been 78. I've been wanting to do a tribute to her, and I thought today would be a good day for that. I want to tell you a little bit about the person my mom was.

My mom was named Patty because she was born on Saint Patrick's Day. How neat is that?
(Mom & Me circa 1961)

My mom was the kind of person that made friends with everyone, and once you were her friend, you were her friend for life. She taught me a lot about loyalty.



Circa 1969

She was a beautiful woman, and very stylish. As a teenager, I always liked to borrow her clothes and jewelry...


(Renee, Mom & Me circa 1976)

Mom was a believer in women's rights. She was a big fan of Gloria Steinem. She went through a painful divorce from my Dad when I was 15, and after that, she was a very independent woman for many years. I always remember her wearing a t-shirt that said "A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle!" HA. She taught me to stand on my own two feet. She taught me to make my own way in the world.

In 1985, she got a chance to move to California for her job. It was a chance for a fresh start. I was sad to see her and Renee go, but so happy for her to have a new adventure, a new chapter in her life. She was my inspiration to never be afraid to try something new. To take a risk.

In 1987 she met Elmer. The two of them were perfect for each other. They got married, and started going on adventures together...

(Mom & Elmer circa 2004)


They used to spend their summers here in Minnesota, and their winters in California...

(Mom & Elmer circa 2005)


My mom was there for me through all of my ups and downs. She was a wonderful mother and friend...
When Elmer got sick, she was there for him too. A committed caregiver, she never left his side. Renee and I tried to get her to take a break once in awhile and go do something for herself but she refused. She was right where she wanted to be she said. She taught me alot about love.

Elmer passed away in April of last year after a four-year illness. She was alone again. Lonely, but resilient. We talked every evening on the phone. As the days and months went by, she started to make new friends, started a new exercise program, and her social calendar got busier and busier. She was very active with her church. She even made plans to go back to college. It made me feel so good that she was doing well and was happy again. She taught me alot about strength. She taught me alot about cherishing every moment.


Mom and Michael's Mom Sue this past summer (2010).

My mom volunteered regularly at her local soup kitchen. She was part of a "prayer shawl ministry" through her church. She would knit shawls and they would be given to people who were going through a hard time in life, to give them some comfort. She also was part of a group that got together regularly and made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless. She taught me a lot about being a giving person.


My mom always had a smile and a kind word to share.

She was my inspiration.

She always will be.
Happy Birthday Mom. I love and miss you. You've been gone for two months now, but you will always live in my heart.

Thanks so much for visiting. I really appreciate it! I will be back tomorrow with some new artwork to share.

15 comments:

Marit said...

What a wonderful post Michelle! A tribute and soul-felt life-story all in one. It's like getting your mom and you better... she will not be forgotten! Happy Birthday "Michelle's mom" - we will all be thinking of you today!

Lara said...

This is so lovely to read Michelle. An obviously wonderful woman your mother was, and a daughter who has seen her for the beautiful soul she has been and will continue to be..... it touches the heart. My thoughts are with you. xx

Sharon Fritchman said...

Happy St Patrick's Day, Patty! I am sure you miss her so much, especially today. TFS these wonderful photos and memories with us. Sending big hugs and love your way.

Kim Mailhot said...

This is a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Mom, Michelle. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Light and love to you !

milkcan said...

What a wonderful tribute to your Mother! I enjoyed getting to meet her!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Wow... michelle... this brought tears to my eyes.. this is the most beautiful tribute to you mom.. wow.. you look soooooooo much like your mom... both beautiful women! :):):):):):):):):)

McMGrad89 said...

An excellent tribute for an excellent woman. She raised you to be an equally excellent woman. I am glad I know you through your blog.

Annemarie

Anonymous said...

That was really beautiful, Michelle. Thinking of you today. xox love you.

Denise said...

Michelle, I haven't been by in a while so I did not know your mom had passed. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos and stories of your mom. Love to you.

Jennifer said...

What an amazing tribute, Michelle. Your Mom was beautiful inside and out - I see where you get your generosity from. Thanks for sharing her with all of us! (((hugs)))

MaRia said...

we´ve never met although i read (and enjoy) your blog frequently. i think the tribute to your mom is the one anybody would like to read about oneself... what a wonderful woman and what a wonderful daughter. i´m sorry for your loss, but it´s evident that she still lives through you and the legacy she´ve left into your soul.

Lynn said...

Let your love flow. See you Sunday ;-D

Deb said...

Incredibly touching and heartfelt tribute, Michelle. Her beauty, her spirit, her love--and yours--shine through this post. Blessings as you continue to make your way during this tender time.

Unknown said...

Oh Bless You! for including me in your blog. There's not a day goes by that I don't think of my wonderful friend,Pat, your precious mom! We were just beginning to plumb the depths of a friendship to be - and I can't believe, yet, the tragedy of it being cut so short. I'm unbelieveably thankful for the time we had - and meeting all of you. I'm so happy you have the gourd and like it. Please keep me in the loop. xo Jackie

Honoré said...

Thank you for sharing and honoring your mom. She was a lovely person and your tribute is filled with love, easy to see why.
I know these are tough days but they will become easier as time goes on; your Mom's strength and love will always be with you, to support and guide you.
Peace~