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I am happy to see so many of my mother’s relatives, friends and mutual acquaintances. I know that many of you have traveled a long way. We have people from Switzerland, Atlanta, Delaware to name just a few places. We always knew what an amazing, generous and kind woman our mother was; I know that she would have been humbled at this outpouring.

 

We want to thank those of you who stopped to help mom during her illness and offered support in a variety of ways: Special thanks to Marsha Jones, Tracey Smith and Patricia Whitaker. We appreciate the love and support.  If I missed a few names, I apologize. 

 

To my sister, Karen, Mom wanted you to know that she could not have had a stronger advocate to represent her while she was battling her illness (Dealing with hospitals/doctor office visits/rehab centers/home care nurses) and the Insurance Company.  She knew it wasn’t easy but she wanted you to know that she appreciated all your hard work and persistence and that she loved you very much.

 

On a tombstone, they put the dates of when we are born and when we pass away. But it is that dash/line in the middle that is the most important thing on that tombstone. That line is the entire time frame where you impact and touch others’ lives. You leave your mark on this earth. You build a legacy that nobody could change. You have it where people remember who you are no matter what. When you’re living for that dash in the middle you’re going to remember why. Why you’re here, why did you do something, your reason for getting up in the morning your reason for pushing yourself past the brink of exertion and not giving up. Your reason for always moving ahead and getting things done in life. That line in the middle that’s the thing that pushes you.

 

My mom had three "Why" categories that pushed her every day: Her love for God, her love for Family, and her love for Service to help others.

 

I grew up a HUGE comic book fan and looked up to a lot of heroes in my dream world. Some were insanely strong or could fly; some could even shoot webs from their wrists. My Mom was my all-time favorite and the strongest of all my favorite super heroes. She wasn’t very tall, nor could she leap buildings…. nor fly.  But that was OK because her super power was her heart.  

There was a lot of love in my mom’s life. Even though she is gone now I know that her legacy will live on in all of us. She was an incredible teacher and mother who inspired everyone who knew her. 

I learned a lot from Mom. I learned how important family is and enjoyed spending time with them. I learned an appreciation for life and how important a strong work ethic while remaining positive can help one get through life’s biggest challenges. She managed to show me how much she loved me every day.  It is very difficult to measure or describe the gravity and magnitude of what Mom has meant to me and all those lives she has touched here on earth. Whatever I say at this moment … chances are---there will never be enough to say…. Simply because the rewards and love she deserves know no limits.

Mom was the best person I’ve ever known. She was my best friend and cheerleader in life. Her will, her core decency, her words of encouragement, her unwavering belief and undying devotion to our family helped us weather unimaginable storms and uplifted us in the worst of times. 

Perhaps the only solace at this moment comes from knowing where she is: home. At peace! Finally! No ending can be more beautiful than that, especially for someone so worthy of God’s grace. Mom, your memory lives on in all our hearts forever. We love you.

 

 Christian Ford (Baby Son)