Dear Mom,
This is the
hardest letter I’ve had to write because today I’m saying good-bye to my mom.
During the
last 3 years, you have been my shopping buddy. We have gone on many adventures
from visiting Berea, Ky to Jungle Jim’s to the Golden Lamb to our most recent
adventure to Concord’s 200th anniversary celebration. We discovered
that marshmallow coke is essential for road trips.
In 2001 and
2002, Tanya, you, and I went on mother-daughter trips to Hershey, PA. So many
memories were made on that trip from seeing the Backstreet Boys to my creation
of your 50 boyfriends which by now exceeds 200. Each boyfriend was from a
different state. Do you remember that we actually found one at a random rest
stop who actually looked like our description? In the last 3 years, I would
constantly point out random guys and tell you that’s your boyfriend. I even got
Molly doing that also. You would just shake your head whenever I started that
mess.
One memory
that has stuck out is when you took Tanya and I to Disney in 1990. I convinced
you that the Big Thunder Railroad was a simulated roller coaster. We ended up
in the front row. The look you gave me showed me how you were not happy with
me. Oops. I was only 15.
I have so
memories from the years Tanya, and I were in Rainbow. Lots of Monday evenings
and Thursday evenings were spent at either the Brookville or Dayton Masonic
Temple. Thank you for making sure I was ready for those meetings,
Installations, and Grand Assemblies. Do you remember the long “sobriety” line
when George Bush, Sr. came to the Brookville Picnic during my Worthy Advisor term?
So funny.
All those
trips to play Putt Putt mini golf and downtown Dayton – I will cherish those
memories. All the times we went to the Salem Mall – My favorite part was
getting the pretzel sticks with cream cheese. I still eat them that way.
Although Nick says they are better with chocolate. LOL!
I’m thankful
for the 2 pieces of advice that you gave me when I was in my early 20’s. Both
of those pieces of advice defined who I am as a person and changed my life
path.
In 1995, you
told me that I needed to apply for the Disney College Program. I’m so grateful
for that advice. It was the best experience of my life. I learned how to be
independent and how to live on my own. I made memories that have lasted a
lifetime. Plus, I made friends that are lifelong friends. One of which is now
my chosen sister, Molly.
The other
advice is that I should become a special educator. This advice I didn’t follow
at first. However, I was hired as an L.D. tutor when I got my first big girl
job. Now I am in my 20th year of teaching special education in that same
district. You constantly reminded me how much of a difference I have made in some
of my students. You knew best. Thank you for the advice.
I’m going to
miss your constant telling me about the mail and how full your dumpster is
currently. I’m going to miss calling you on Saturday mornings to say be ready
at 10 am so that we could go to Aldi, Fresh Thyme, or Trader Joe’s. I’ll miss
you telling me to buy canned peaches or bananas. I’m going to miss sitting behind
you at church.
Mom, we
never were really close. However, in your own ways you let me know that your
loved me. Seeing the smile on your face when I took you on another adventure. Finding
all the photos you kept of me and the boys. You showed your love in quiet ways.
Goodbye sweet
mom. Your journey through life is complete. Rest up and watch over me and the
boys.
Love your fiercely independent daughter,
Traci
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