Dear Jennifer, Jeanette, Tony and Karen, I thought your mother was such a cool mom. She sold Fashion 222, played golf and liked to be independent, a little ahead of her time.  I have fond memories growing up with family, thank you.

As I sit here watching my mother slip away-so slowly; so many years of slipping further and further away -so painfully slow- I am reminded that we must enjoy our lives and the people we encounter as we pass through.  Leave nothing unsaid.  Leave love and understanding in your wake.  Always leave them smiling-Mom could do that.  I can remember telling my mother that I didnt want her to hold my hand when we walked together anymore.  Teenagers do that. I wish I hadnt.    I remember a vibrant, beautiful, healthy woman.  I remember Mom was not like the other mothers.  She was more like a sister you could have a pyjama party with and tell her all your secrets.  She was frank and honest about herself and what she wanted.  She warned me not to beat boys at games.  She told me no one likes a smart ass.  I have not heeded her words, nor do I think she followed her own advice.    I remember getting black coffee at the kitchen table when I came home drunk.  She taught me how to jive dance in the living room.  She loved big band music and Tom Jones.  She used to sneak me apple pie if I was sent to my room without dinner.  She was a fan in the bleachers, the taxi cab driver, the shoulder to cry on, the lap to lay my head on so she could run her fingers through my hair-until she wasnt anymore.  Alzheimers is hard on relationships.  It distorts truth and challenges trust.  It shatters history.  It creates solitude and hopelessness.    Somewhere behind the vacant eyes is the woman I called Mother when I was angry with her, Ma when I was caring for her and Mom when I felt closest to her.  I doubt she knows Im here with her today.  Im certain she doesnt understand why.  Im relieved I dont have to see understanding in her eyes during these last few days.  I do, however, hope she knows I love her and I dont want her to be lonely today-not ever again.  Sleep Mom.  Rest. Ill speak of you fondly.  Ill remember you often. You made a difference in my life.  I hope youre proud of me.  Goodbye Mom.  Good bye at last.  Jeanette

Patterson Funeral Home Ltd.

Jennie Cordaro (Aiello)

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Jennie Cordaro (Aiello)

20 April, 1934 – 29 March, 2018

Patterson Funeral Home Ltd.

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