OT - Tell 'em that you're thinkin' of them

[Griff]

Guys,
I'm sorry if this is going to seem a downer, but... it really isn't if you think about it.

I had the unhappy pleasure of attending my foster mother's memorial service yesterday. It was the first time her three sons (still seem like my brothers) and I were together in one place for at least 15 or so years, and we literally celebrated her life and contributions to all our lives.

She was 93, and passed rather quickly. I got the news last week, and my middle brother told me they were waiting for me to get out to CA... such generousity is just like her. This woman took me in when I was about two and raised me as her own till I was six and my real mother was able to get on her feet and support the two of us. She was a big part of my life from that time forward... whenever I had a setback or success in life, she was always among the first to get the news. And right up till the last time I was able to visit she was there in the moment and treated it just like it was the most important part of her life. She had three sons, one foster son, grandchildren and great grandchildren and I think, 2 great-great-grandchildren.

When I was about 4, she had the unenviable task of sitting this toddler down and explaining that she wasn't my "Mom", that I had a Mom and I should NEVER get that confused. And yet, in breaking this child's heart, she also had the wisdom and room in her heart to both express and display a never-ending supply of love and caring.

She will live on in all our hearts and memories.

May you all be so blessed in this new year to have someone in your lives that means as much to you as she means to me, be it a family member or ???

[Little Doc]

Griff,
Sorry for your loss, Glad for your wonderful memories.
Little Doc

[Old Savage]

Bless her heart - better a candle that burns long and goes out suddenly than one that sickly lingers. I think we all have seen that.

[TedH]

Bless her heart - better a candle that burns long and goes out suddenly than one that sickly lingers. I think we all have seen that.

Very true.

My condolences Griff.

[mescalero1]

You are a fortunate man.
May the Great Spirit light her path.

[airedaleman]

What a wonderful woman. I know her place in Heaven will be high. And you are good foster son, too...
My love and prayers for her, and you and your family ...

[Old Savage]

Some debts can never be repaid but to pass the blessing on to another as was done for us.

[Rusty]

I'm sorry for your loss Griff. Foster parents are very special people.

[Ysabel Kid]

God bless... sorry for your loss Griff.

[iceman]

Sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful person and you were blessed to have had her in your life in a time of need. May she rest in peace.

[20cows]

...we literally celebrated her life and contributions to all our lives.

Amen!

[GEOFF]

Griff,

She sounds like a sweetheart and I think it's cool the respect you treated her with!!

My own mom is 88 years old and going down hill. When she thinks she is a bother, I look her in the eye and remind her of the times she nursed ME back to health and took care of me. This always makes her look peaceful.

Like Glen Campbells song says "THERE OUGHT TO BE A HALL OF FAME FOR MAMA'S".

Geoff

[J Miller]

Griff,

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I really don't have any words to say. I do know how your feeling though. I been there and done that. Hang in there.

Joe

[gamekeeper]

Griff
Your foster mother did a wonderful job, you are a lucky man. God bless.

[kimwcook]

Bless her heart - better a candle that burns long and goes out suddenly than one that sickly lingers. I think we all have seen that.

Amen to that. To many times.

Sorry for your loss, Griff.

[Rexster]

My sincere condolences, Griff.

[BenT]

Sorry to hear that Griff. Some of the most thankful people I have meet in my life have lived in foster care for a portion of their life. I think it's the fact that someone with a big heart was willing to give them an opportunity of having a good and successful life.

[JReed]

Sorry to hear of your loss but it sounds like you all did right by her in remebering all of the love and good memories she gave you.

[Bigahh]

I feel your pain Griff. Try and think of all the good times, sounds like you had some with 2 wonderful Mothers.

[claybob86]

Sounds like she lived a full and very worthwhile life. That's a fine memorial you wrote, Griff.