Jeanne Marie

My mom died on this date in 2006....five years does not seem like such a long time.  During this time we retired to the beach and watched our grands grow some more and welcomed Will to the clan.  But it seems like forever that I have not been able to think of her living where she retired, or been able to hop a plane and visit with her and my dad.  She was a strong force in my growing up and she was my friend.  She was wildly enthusiastic about seeing her grandchildren and loved making them gifts...like an entire Barbie wardrobe!
Most of all, she was the love of my dad's life and they had been together forever!
It is difficult not having a mom around to help you remember all the little things about your childhood, or to remind you how special your children are, and how pleased she is to have great grandchildren.  However, I remember so many happy times, made even more special because she was my mom.