Mamacita

I love my Mom so much. My Mom always wanted me to write for a living. She loved my writing, as only a mother would. I'm not a writer (yet?). I went into college thinking I would graduate with an accounting and business administration degree, and ended up graduting with an English degree, and was an editor of the college paper. Mom is always right. I've decided to write down my thoughts as I cope with the grief of losing my Mom, and best friend, so early in life. I know she is still here with me, and watching over us, but I miss her so much. I thought about writing in a journal, but this seemed to be the better idea. I thought I would start by posting the eulogy I wrote about my Mom. It was the hardest and easiest thing I have ever had to write. The hardest because I want my Mom here next to me, listening, laughing and smiling, instead of writing how amazing she is/was to an audience in a sanctuary; and the easiest because it is so easy to write about how much you love and envy your best friend.
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In loving memory of "Peachie" 3/4/54-3/30/09
First of all, I would like to thank all of you for coming today. My Mom would have loved to see all of you, and I'm sure would have been overwhelmed by your thoughts, prayers and kindness.

George Washington said it best, "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."

Words cannot explain how much my Mom means to me. My Mom had an uncanny way of making me smile everyday or lifting my spirits. She always knew the right words to say. They say that as you get older you become more like your mother. I can only hope this is true. My Mom was always there for me, her family, and her friends. She was a very kind and selfless person.

Eve though she only had one daughter, she was everybody's Mom. It always surprised me how all of my friends, even those that didn't know each other, would meet my Mom once, and the next time were calling her, "Mom." She loved every minute of being a Mom. I can't remember a single time when she wasn't there. Whether it was waiting for me at the bus stop, helping me with my spelling words, or counting down the days until I received by acceptance letter to college, my Mom was always by my side for every event, not matter how big or small.

My Mom taught me more about life than anyone could learn from a textbook. She taught me to reach for the stars. She prided herself in having a zest for life, and wished the same for me. My Mom encouraged me to be an individual and to never lose sight of my curiousity, drive and ambition. My Mom taught me to be a leader, and lead by example. She was always by my side, and will continue to remain there. Charlotte Gray said, "Children and mothers never truly part - bound in the beating of each other's heart." She gave me self-confidence, strong values, and most importantly, love.

My Mom could turn the simplest events into the best memories. When I was little, my Mom packed my lunch for school everyday. I looked forward to lunch because she would write little notes on my napkins. The little notes and packed lunches continued to through middle and high school. Once in college, too far away from Mom's packed lunches and onto "college food," the notes were put into a difference form -- greeting cards. For the first week in college, I received one inspirational or funny card from my Mom everyday. Then the cards came about once a week. Friends would joke about the card collection as my mailbox never felt empty. I hung up every card I received in my dorm room, and by the end of the year, my wall was covered. I still have every card my Mom sent me throughout college, and amazingly no two were ever the same. I will really miss her and all of her encouragement.

She was, and always will be, my best friend. I know she will continue to live through me, and all of us, as we remember all the stories and how she touched our lives. My Mom was one of the most amazing people I have ever met, and will probably ever meet. I knew I could go to her no matter what the reason. I loved her with all my heart, and will truly miss her. How lucky I was to have the best Mom in the world.

In closing, the lyrics of one of my Mom's favorite songs, "In my dreams, I'll always see you soar. Above the sky in my heart, there'll always be a place for you for all my life. I'll keep a part of you with me and everywhere I am, there you'll be."