[Lynn]

Yesterday was hard for me. My first Mother's day without Mom.

Mom died January 17, one day before my birthday. Would have turned 95 next week.

Long slow decline, starting with COPD then dementia. Sherri and I took care of all Mom's affairs (with help from other family members) for the last 6 plus years. Mom would always say: "I am sorry I am so much trouble." Every time I would say: "Well, Mom, if we are keeping score, you will never catch up to me and the trouble I caused you."

That's the only good thing about dementia. I could tell her the same joke 10 times a day and it was just as fresh and funny each time.

I won't bore you with all the reasons Mom was special; but will tell one story.

When I was 6 years old, I followed my older brother (ripe old age of 9) to the local school yard one Saturday to play baseball. All the other boys were 9 or 10, or thereabouts. Of course, I was the last one chosen. When we got home I was complaining (mind you I wasn't whining or crying.... just complaining) that I was chosen last. TODAY, most moms would call the other moms and try to make sure the kids came up with a "more equitable inclusive" manner of picking teams so that no one would get their feelings hurt. Mom just said: "Why don't you go practice until you're better than them." She was 30 years old when she said that. Then took me out into the back yard and pitched to me. Set up a target for me to throw at. I did get better. By the time I was in 6th grade, I was the only sixth grader that got to play on the Jr. High team. When I was in HS, I threw a no-hitter and hit a home run in the same game as a sophomore. Not bad for a kid that was only 5'7". It was the only game my grandfather ever watched me play. Her Dad was a prize fighter, and in 1921, the fastest man in the Navy. She was just as tough, and passed that determination to me. She taught me that ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they are willing to out work every one around them.
Thanks Mom.