Memories of Mom: Motto of simplify

I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer on Feb. 8, 2008, only 9 weeks after diagnosis.

She was 51 years old.

Not a day has gone by in the past 6 years that I do not think of her. Her death has changed my life in a way for the positive and I am just now realizing this after dealing with severe grief at the beginning.

I think of only the things that are important in life and take joy in the simple things. I have no time for drama or unnecessary negativity.

Being a present mother to my three daughters and a loving wife to my husband are my main goals. All these things were set in action with the example of my mother’s lead.

Jody was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, friend and known for her warmth, her smile and her overwhelming kindness. I am so thankful for my mother and all the things she instilled in me: love, appreciation, respect, humility, faith, dignity, self worth and gratitude.

Her motto was simplify. Things were never confusing, left undone, or complicated when it came to understanding her. The joy exuberated by her love was contagious. She made you want to be a better person. My mom was beautiful even at her end. It was an absolute privilege and honor to take care of her and express the unconditional love I had for her, as she had always shown for me. There is an emptiness knowing she is no longer here (physically and vocally), but spiritually she lives in my actions and thoughts as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

My heart is consumed with her love and I am comforted in knowing if I have that, all the days of my life will be blessed.

Read more stories in the “Memories of Mom” series here.