Parts, or do we more appreciate a loved one when remembering the “little” things that,
Collectively, sum up a life well lived?
Our Mother was, I believe, something truly special, though she would not have described
Herself that way. She believed that “special” was a word which meant little unless used by
Others to describe people or events separate from themselves. She had little patience for
People who thought of themselves as special. She certainly believed that everyone in her
Life was special, each in their own way. She treasured her friendships, and nurtured them.
She was the friend everyone wanted to have; the most valued friend, I suspect, of most of them.
I think everyone knows that Mother was a great lover of books, and passing that gift to her children
Was a source of great satisfaction to her. She encouraged us to read and to form our own opinions.
She may have been interested in what we thought; rather more so, I should think, in how we
Thought. She always appreciated a well-informed opinion, even when it differed from her own.
She enjoyed her yearly holiday. Some may not know how much she was able to travel throughout the
United States during her later years, and these were special times for her. Some may also not know
That she was a great lover of light houses, and always enjoyed visiting as many as possible during
Her annual trips.
Our Mother was a kind, soft-spoken individual, sympathetic and generous to all. She was remarkably loyal to family and friends. She loved her grandchildren, and had a unique relationship with each of them. I know how much they will miss her. She seemed always to remember the little things, all those seemingly little things that invariably added up to something special. This is no small thing in a time
When such qualities seem to be diminishing in regrettable, almost measurable ways.
How can we best honor the memory of such a person? It should not be thought that we can simply
Find another such person, for none exists, not for us, anyway. We can emulate her fine qualities, to
Be sure, but she would also have expected us to transcend the thoughts and attitudes of her lifetime,
And to reach further for an understanding of the world we live in.
What makes a truly a special life? Well, I’m not sure it is so easily defined, but we know it when
We see it, and she was it. She was our treasure, and is waiting to be found again.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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