Happy Birthday Mom,
I am looking out at the sun rising through the mist on this crisp November morning and thinking of how much you loved each of the seasons. Fall was time for you to start all of your indoor projects, whether it was organizing your pictures into scrapbooks, working on the doll house, sewing wine bottle bags, pillows or little sachets with all the beautiful remnant fabrics you collected. I know that Dad misses having you working on your projects while watching the football games together. We wish you were here to celebrate your birthday; however, we will all be celebrating the day with the memories and stories of what a great mom, grandma, wife, sister, cousin, and friend you where to each one of us. You gave us so many precious gifts and a few gifts, such as a very strong will and stubbornness that not everyone appreciates. However, the greatest gift was fostering the love of our family. Your passing away has made everyone more aware of how important extended family and friends are and we have all become better at communicating to one another so we don’t lose that special connection. Another gift that has come about is involvement in causes that matter to us. We are thinking more for the “greater good” and taking action to fight against breast cancer, cystic fibrosis and other causes we believe in.
We will celebrate your birthday with a prayer of thanks for your love and for being our mom.
Love,
Sharon
Beautiful thoughts, Sharon and a very fine tribute to your Mom. I know she is proud of her family and loves what she sees as the generations evolve. We are so fortunate to have each other and to be part of such a BIG extended family…..something your Mom always cherished! A part of her lives in each one of the Napa Ripples, making it much easier to feel her presence and to know she is with us!
Love to All,
Reen
Sharon your letter is beautiful and definitely encapsulates the things I miss about Mom and also how we’ve grown as a family. Our extended family is a true gift and keeping in touch and visiting each other when we can is just another blessing.
I had a great weekend in Napa with Dad and the Bokampers. We toasted Mom on Saturday night with a great wine…a special treat from Jason & Christie. Christie and I also did our part at the Angel Bazaar @ St. A’s by purchasing a few “treasures”. A coincidence that one of Mom’s favorite craft fairs is held on her birthday weekend? I don’t think so!
Dad and I stopped by for a quick visit with Mom and to bring her a mini pumpkin for some Fall “flair”. We gave her the update of what everyone was doing and about the crowd we’re going to have for Thanksgiving. I am sure she is excited about the upcoming holiday’s and will be keeping an eye on all of us and our activities…and, of course, taking in all of the holiday decor!
Love to all, Michelle (#6)
Sharon, You have such a way with words. Your Mom was in my thoughts on her birthday. Her love of all holidays and special traditions is a priceless gift she gave to all of you. Thank you for a beautiful tribute.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who keep Eileen’s spirit alive.
Love, Missy
Sharon, your thoughts were so well said……….I,too, thought of Eileen a lot on her birthday……….down here the Fall weather – cold, leaves turning yellow, orange, & red always signaled to me it was her birthday….because that’s the way it was when we were growing up – mine was school starting, hers was Fall colors. Your mom and dad raised a fabulous, caring, inclusive, talented, & humorous family – a true accomplishment. Keep sharing, writing, & remembering………..all of you. Love, Auntie Sharon
Sharon, I love the letter to mom. Our family truly has grown stronger and I too am so proud of all the causes we support. It has made me very aware of life’s many challenges and how lucky we are that we can help make a difference.
Dave
Sharon, what a beautiful letter. So well said. Your family is truly an inspiration. Sending you all love during this wonderful season.