Frances Irene Kilgore

Mom never said much about herself or her past. Although her life paralleled some of the most momentous decades of the last century....the Great Depression and World War II, much of what I know of Mom came from others.

I know that she was a tomboy who blossomed into a great natural beauty. She was a real head turner who never let it go to her head. She was a hard worker who built a career from a drugstore counter job. She loved her family. And she loved Rebecca and I totally and unconditionally. She was the rock and foundation who gave us the freedom to build on our dreams and achieve more than she ever could have dreamed of. There are no words to express the deep love that flowed from her to us. We were blessed beyond measure to have her in our lives.

As I reflected on Mom and the traits that characterized her, I came up with a list that I've titled 'Mom's Rules'.

Mom's Rules

Drama in movies, not in life

The past is past....forget, forgive, move on

Whatever you do, show up, look good, do your best

No whining

Don't just talk, take action

Give freely, don't expect a return

Be grateful

Be content

Be gracious

Be available

Love even when people aren't lovable

Shopping is good!

You can never have too many shih tzus....or shoes!

God blesses those who bless others

Beauty combined with integrity is a force to be reckoned with

Go now in peace Mom to your reward....I'll love and miss you till the day I join you in Heaven.

Love, Lissa