My Dearest Auntie Pam,
I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to write to you. I have no real excuse other than to say that my heart had been torn open, and it is starting to heal just a bit now. I hope you are well, and being well cared for. You are the last true jewel of the family and should be treated as such!
I have sent copies of all the things from Mum's memorial service. I'm sorry that you were unable to come, but we all felt you there. It gave us some comfort knowing that even half a world away you were there for us. Our family may bend, but we cannot be broken no matter how far apart we may be.
Mum's service was as she requested. Don Marsten spoke of her quite lovingly and eloquently, and then read a short synopsis of her life that she had prepared at some point and left where I would find it. I have included a copy of both of these with the other things from her service. The family all wore red, white and blue ribbons out of respect for Mum. I have included one of these as well. She was a true patriot, and she instilled that love of America in all of us. Her casket was beautiful. It was white with bronze accents, and beautiful pink English Roses on the corners and one on the inside center of the lid. It had lovely soft pink velvet lining. I think Mum would have approved.
I want to share with you something that Meghan wrote about Mum. It's just a short piece, but I think it describes Mum very well.
My mom wasn't the touchy feely kind.
Well, she could be, but wasn't always.
Mom told you how it is.
Had no patience for ignorance.
Knew how things should be and made them that way.
Took care of herself.
Didn't believe in excuses.
Was beautiful.
Demanded respect.
She was strong.
She knew who she was.
She was strong.
She knew who she was.
I think that really captures the essence of Mum. I will miss her every day for the rest of my life. I still want to call her on the telephone and tell her about my day, or tell her some funny thing Lauren said. I still cry every day at the wrongness of the whole thing. I allow myself my few moments of grief, and then I straighten my shoulders, take a deep breath and move forward as Mum would have expected me to. I couldn't have asked for a better Mother. She was an excellent teacher. Day by day and step by step, no matter the circumstance, she led us and taught us by example. I hope she was as proud of us as we were of her. Because of her I am an intelligent, strong, confident, compassionate and loving human being. It gives me a wonderful sense of pride when I say “ I am Enid's daughter”.
Love always,
Vanessa
