Sunday, July 11, 2010

A Tribute to My Mom

Hi everyone.

I have been working on this post for a few days now and think it's finally ready. I just want to share some thoughts and photos with you so you can get a better understanding of who my mom was. I also wanted to do this for myself and for her.

When I get sad, I try to remember what my mom would say or want me to do. She very rarely complained about anything. We found a small piece of paper in her wallet that had a lovely little saying: "If you don't like something in your life, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude about it. Always live with an open mind." That is exactly how my mom lived her life. She had such optimism, a deep faith in God, a love for life and an amazing positive attitude. No wonder she had such a good life. In the end she was not afraid to die, which was very comforting to all of us. She knew she was going to a better place and would finally be with my father again. I remember what she said to my sister a few weeks ago, when Nancy was starting to cry. My mom said, "No tears, Nancy. There are worse things than death, ya know." That was typical mom. She was a tough little lady. She also told us many times that she was ready, because she had lived a good, long life.

I want to share a few pictures of my mom with you. They all come from a little book that my sister made for my mom for her birthday, using shutterfly.com. She surprised us that day by giving each one of us our own copy. I took photos of the pictures in the book, so they're not the best. Hopefully you can see them alright. My mom was so beautiful, not only on the outside, but inside too!

This first one is the cover of the book. It shows all 6 of us kids together. The title reads, Summers...Growing Up. (My maiden name is Summers.) I'm the one in the middle, sitting on my older sister's lap.


This photo is of my mom and dad when they were dating. Love the sled!


Here is my parents' engagement picture.


This is my mom and dad right after they were married. Love this picture!


My mom and oldest brother Steve looking to see how Santa comes in the house on Christmas Eve.


My brother Steve and sister Nancy with mom. I love the way Steve is looking at her!


Here is the six of us kids on Christmas morning. (I'm in the bottom row all the way to the left.)


This is my mom all dressed up for my brother Mike's Groom's Dinner.


I love this picture of my mom and dad!


I don't know why I like this picture, but I just think she looks so cute here.


This photo was taken in Arizona. My mom and dad took my sister Nancy there to look at colleges.


And here is a more recent one of my mom with my brothers Steve, on the left and Mike on the right.


What a gift this book is to me! It's filled with many, many more pictures of all six kids and mom and dad. Too many to show. I will treasure it always!

I am trying hard to live the way my mom would want me to live.....with a positive, happy, optimistic attitude and a love for life. I find myself getting sad at times of course. The other day something really fun happened and for a split second I thought, "I have to call mom and tell her!" Then it hit me again. I know the pain of missing her will ease with time.

Thank you, Mom, for loving me the way you did. For being the kind of mother any child would be lucky to have. For teaching me a wonderful way to live my life. I miss you and love you so much!

31 comments:

Lin said...

Oh Barb, what a lovely tribute. Your Mom would be so proud to see your love shining through here. She was a beautiful lady, and it's so very clear that you are her daughter. Your attitude and your family will help you through this difficult time. Thanks so much for sharing these pictures and your thoughts. Sending hugs.

Joy said...

Oh Barb, I am sitting here reading your truly beautiful tribute to your Mum, bawling, this is such a wonderful capture of her life, and I know that she would be incredibly proud of you for doing this. You and her are so much alike in so many ways and I know that the positive attitude that she has instilled in you shines. Thinking of you always, sending my love and hugs.

CinnamonSally said...

Thanks for sharing your photos and your memories Barb, such lovely memories too. Thinking of you.
Hugs
Sally!

Virginia L. said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes...what a great tribute post to your Mom. I'm sure she is proud of the way you and your siblings. It's obvious you've got that special sweetness coming from your Mom!Thanks for sharing these special photos!They are PRICELESS!! xoxox

Rosemary said...

what a lovely tribute to your mom, barb! i love that little note you found in your mom's purse... truly words to live by! through your words and the photos we have had a chance to see what a wonderful mom she was to you and your siblings!

Sarah J Moerman said...

What a wonderful tribute, Barb. Sending hugs.

alexandra s.m. said...

This is such a special post Barb.
I feel very moved by it.
Thank you for sharing!

Thinking of you always ~

Nancy said...

Thank you for sharing this lovely post and the photos, Barb. Sounds like she was quite a wonderful Mom.

Nancy said...

I'm so glad you shared this treasure with us, Barb. What a legacy of love your Mom left for her family and this is a lovely tribute to a remarkable woman. Time will heal the pain of your loss and soon your cherished memories will be a source of joy and comfort.
bless you sweet Barb,
nancy

Kathy (krolski) said...

Barb, this is such a wonderful tribute to your Mom. It sounds like he was such a strong, positive and sweet lady. I hope that these fond memories you have of her and knowing that she is in a much better place will help to comfort you. I just love the photos. So precious. Sending you hugs.

Anonymous said...

Oh Barb this is such a wonderful and gorgeous tribute to your mum. She sounds like a very strong and inspirational woman. These are precious memories and thank you for sharing them with us :) Sending you big hugs xox

Dawn T said...

Barb this is just beautiful. thank you for sharing your wonderful Mum with us. All those wonderful photos to remember her by... so delightful. Sending special thoughts your way... be brave!!!

donna mikasa said...

What a beautiful post and a lovely tribute to your mom. Thank you for sharing her life with us. Take good care, Barb!

Anita Rex said...

I really enjoyed reading this post and seeing the photos of your mom Barb. What a wonderful tribute to her, and what a wonderful book to have! :> You look so much like her!

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

Barb, what a lovely, heartfelt tribute. It's such comfort isn't it to look at your family pics. For the longest time I kept thinking my dad was just doing his thing in Indonesia while I am here in the States. It took awhile before I finally accept that he's gone. You have great siblings and those memories you all share will help you all going through this time. Hugs, Vera.

Sue McRae said...

Really lovely tribute Barb! I like seeing all those old b&w photos and so nice to have them in a little book!

Tiffany Ervin said...

That is one special tribute to your mom Barb! Really beautiful words and thoughts! Love the black and white photos...aren't they so precious..you can never replace those! Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos!

CanadianScraps43 said...

Oh Barb! What a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman! This book really is a treasure. I love everything about this post, the love that you have for your Mom comes shining through. Also I feel the pain you are still feeling. My sweet friend I am praying for you that you will get to that place where tears will bring smiles and the pain will subside. I know you will always miss this wonderful person, but I trust with time and many great memories that it will get easier! Love & Prayers
Dana

GrammySue's Creations said...

Barb, this is a very beautiful tribute to your Mom. Thanks for sharing the pictures and I enjoyed reading about your mom and looking at your photos. Sending hugs. Take care and God bless and I will continue to pray for you and your family.

Deirdre said...

Barb, thanks for sharing the wonderful moments captured in the photos - they are truly priceless along with your wonderful memories. Sending hugs to you, take care and thinking of you. Deirdre

stampingandstitching said...

Oh Barb what a beautiful tribute to your wonderful mom. I'm sure you will always treasure the book your sister made for each of you. Thanks for sharing some of your photos and memories of you mom. Love and hugs.

Kelly Booth said...

LOVE this Barb...thanks so much for Sharing...you have been in my thoughts!! Big hugs....

Jacqueline said...

Amazing tribute to your very special mum - what a lady and what an attitude - something we all have to pursue to leave a legacy of love and sweet character attributes like she has sown in your life Barb!

Jill said...

Barb, you've got me all teary eyed with this beautiful post. Your mom sounds so amazing and it is so clear to me that her positive attitude and kindness is in you, too. Thank you for sharing her with us, my friend. Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way!

Jenny said...

Such a beautiful post. What a wonderful tribute to your mom. So priceless. Thank you for sharing this. Lots of hugs and prayers coming your way... BIG BIG HUGS!

Trinh said...

Barb, thank you for sharing these wonderful photos and memories with us. Just want to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you!

Kathy said...

Oh Barb...I am so happy that I didn't miss this very special post. I am going to make note of the quotes in your mothers wallet...what a true treasure to find and the world would be a better place if we all lived this way. ! You can see the love in your parents eyes and I love all of the magical photos! I think of you all the time and am happy to read this healing post. Please rely on your friends when you have your sad moments. Sending love your way and thanks for sharing tpyiur beautiful mother with us, Love ,Kathy

Suzanne C said...

What a lovely tribute Barb! My prayers are with you & family. The pictures in the mini book are wonderful and what a wonderful idea of your sister. I can see your mother in you and through your eyes which is the most wonderful tribute!

mimijudy1975 said...

Thank you so much for sharing your feelings about your mother and the beautiful pictures. I've always thought ,while reading your message to others,that you must have had a very loving family and childhood. Now, i see that you certainly did. Your mother gave you wonderful gifts .
i do believe that one day we will all be together with our loved ones(my husband has been gone for 30 years) again.
I feel heaven 'has windows' and that your mom is very proud of you.

Monika Reeck said...

Lovely trubute Barb...My prayers for you and your family too...I love the Photos of your Mom she is soo pretty.....you too...thanks for sharing this with us dear....hugs

Martha said...

WOW...WOW...Sweet Barb, what a very LOVELY post this is! AND what a beautiful tribute to your Sweet Mom! I love the saying she carried in her wallet. How AMAZING is that!!??

Even though I've never met you in person, I strongly believe that now I know where your positive attitude comes from. You are SO much like your sweet mom, & you also look a lot like her. You are as BEAUTIFUL, inside & out, as your sweet mom.

What a LOVELY "Summer" photo memory book. It's certainly one to be treasured for life.

Thanks, my friend, for directing me to these fabulous posts. They bring me much comfort.

BIG HUGS to you! ♥