This past weekend my sisters and I hosted a Celebration of Life for our mom who died on March 27th. In the tribute I made to her, I spoke of what she taught me. This is the transcript of my little talk:

Mom, I’m going to miss you a lot. We were buddies. You were always there for me – for all the ups and downs and twists and turns of my life. You listened and you listened attentively. I could also share crazy, trivial things with you – you know the ones. You loved my kids and always wanted to know what was going on with all of them. You were their cheerleader too. Even though it meant leaving Dad at home to figure out the microwave so he could heat up all the meals you made for him, you made the effort to fly down here regularly to be with all of us and be part of our lives.
I know the last six months have been trying for you and I heard you when you said you wanted to go. It was your time and you made your exit very peacefully. We’ll be fine. You lived a long life and for that I will be forever grateful. How lucky we were that we got to see so much of you the last two and half years.

The life lessons we teach our kids are taught by how we live our own lives. These are some of the things I learned from you that I cherish:

• Having a cup of tea every afternoon at 3:30 is a lovely ritual that breaks up the day
• It’s always better to be yourself than try and to be someone you’re not
• Friends nourish the soul
• Dogs will always be there for you, no matter what and they love you unconditionally
• When you’re married to a busy professional, create a life of your own. It will save your soul and your marriage.
• If you don’t have anywhere to go in the morning, stay in your pajamas. Why not be comfortable.
• Having a garden is very satisfying and nurtures the mind, body and spirit
• Homemade food is always the best
• Family meals are essential
• Singing the old songs is always a fun to do
• Always bring hard boiled eggs on a picnic
• Everyone has a story if you take the time to listen
• Always say thank-you
• Listen to the CBC
• Always make sure you moisturize
• Be a good neighbor
• Be there for your friends when they need you
• Have a rest every day
• Homemade jam is always better than store bought

Mom, I know there is more and those things will come to me as I continue to live my life.
Thank you.

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