I would like to take a few minutes to acknowledge and give thanks to one of special women in my life my mother -in-law, my mother! I want to say this: I've known this beautiful lady since I was 11 years old. On this special day I want to wish you a huge birthday shout out! I want to thank you for everything! I want you to know you are loved for so many reasons: Your awesome with your grandchildren, I love how we have our fun talks every other day, I love our relationship, our closeness. I appreciate the fact that you taken my kids as Your grandchildren. You are the only grandmother my kids known. You are one Elise favorite play mate, and that you are not grumpy or shallow. I am happy every day because of the way you raised your son, the
It is hard to give a eulogy for one’s parent. More than the death of a classmate or sibling, the death of a parent is not only a loss, but also a reminder that we are all following an inevitable path. We are all “Outrunning Our Shadow” as her friend Fred Hill so provocatively titled his book.
I stand before you today to pay my last respects, and to say my final goodbyes, to my father Harry.
I'd like to talk today about my grandmother, Ruth Smith - about who she was, what she meant to us, and what this day means.
There is an old Yiddish proverb, when the heart is full, the eyes overflow. And so it is the case when we try to sum up and honor my mother’s life.
I want to thank all of my Mother’s friends and family for being here today to celebrate her life and to mourn her death. I’m sure she would be thrilled to see all of you here and I know it would have meant the world to her.
I was sitting at my small desk in my room when I saw my dad had come home from who knows what, wearing a sad face. He came up to my room with a big red rose. Right then I knew what was going on. I never spent a lot of time with family members who I was not close with. I acknowledged their presence, but I never talked a lot to or about them.
When I think of Mary Helen Smith, also known to me as Grandma, I think of learning, laughter and love.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I noticed the lines of my face and the curve of my neck. I looked down at my hands remembering the moment I first realized that they looked like hers. Long, thin, delicate hands perfect for playing the piano or braiding cornrows. All my life I had not noticed until the day I sat at her bedside holding her hand in mine. She had told me that she was not afraid to die. We sat in silence for a long time, sometimes sharing a stare and a smile. I don't know how long I sat there, looking at her, realizing for the first time who I looked so much like. As I stood in front of the mirror, I remembered that day as I prepared for her funeral. Sarah Smith, my grandmother's going home day. My father asked me to do her eulogy. I had thought and thought of what to say. The words didn't come until the morning of her funeral. That morning I went to the lake where me, my brothers, and my sister would go swimming in the summer on weekend visits to my grandmother's. As I soaked in the sun and watched its rays dance on the waters a memory came.
It is hard for me to believe she’s gone, my primary influence, sustainer, supporter and wisest counselor has left me physically. Mother was such an active participant in this world right to her very last breath. I am so grateful to have been with her on her last day. At his point she was struggling to form words and get them out, but her mind was alert, caring and compassionate. She was still worried about me, a mother to the end.
My grandmother was a strong woman. No matter how strained my families’ relationship could be at times, I loved her unconditionally. She was the woman who would buy me gallons of ice cream and soda frustrating my mother to no end. Whenever I spent the night she would let me stay up as late as I wanted watching TV. Crossing the street to my grandparents’ house was a daily event, which I looked forward to every morning I woke up.
Good afternoon, let me just start by saying that the kindness, support, friendship, and love extended to me and my family during this difficult time has really touched my heart- we are sincerely appreciative!
I believe that every person in, in their own unique way, creates a legacy in their lifetime by which others can live long after that person has left us. For those of us who remain, Mildred Johnson has truly created a legacy to uphold and fulfill in our daily lives. I firmly believe that this carrying out is a true honor and responsibility by means of the various facets that Mildred has made her own.
Hey Mom, I want to talk to you about something that I have harbored in my heart for about five years now because of some choices that were made all so long ago. I always wanted to talk to you about my feelings on what you did to me. Do you remember the day, September 3, 2012? It was a Labor Day weekend that my father had visitations with me and John (my oldest brother, your son) and it was also the day that my love was crushed for you. Do you realize the impact that had on me?
We are here today to say goodbye to my Father, a friend, a husband and an inspiration. Greg Mortenson was one of a kind. He was a generous and humble man who did not think he was a giver, but rather an ordinary man. After looking up to my Dad for my whole life, I can tell you for sure, he was far from an ordinary man. He was different, unlike others, he was truly extraordinary.
To the best father a daughter could ever hope to be blessed with. Dad, you taught me so many invaluable lessons that I have used throughout my life. I am thankful for every single day! For example: to try new things. Yes, I now know that sushi is delicious and the suction cups from octopus tentacles will suck to your mouth, and if you eat brown slimy lettuce you will definitely vomit!