November 19, 2005 my dear sweet momma left this earthly realm to join those who went before her. I was with her as she took those last few breaths. What an honor it was to be there, to care for her in her time of need.

Her graveside service was genuinely a celebration of her life. The minister called on the Dr. Seuss book "Oh the Places You'll Go" and it goes something like this: “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! Oh, the places you’ll go! You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to great heights. You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be the best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.”

Oh how fitting of my mom; life was one big adventure for her and the woman loved to go, even if it was just to the grocery store with me. And you gotta love a mom who loved Clay and sent me off to New Hampshire and Boston to see him.

Mom, I love you.