Memories for Jen, Liz, Mag & Tim

My nieces and nephew were young when their mom passed away. Early this morning I woke up thinking about some of the many things I remember that they may have been too young to realize or may have forgotten.



(Clay Crosse was my first concert with Vic.)

-She was a morning person.
-She loved lists.
-She always had a glass of water before water was popular.
-She couldn't eat a sandwich if there were no chips in the house.
-She acted like a short order cook for her kids making them anything they wanted.
-She was at every single event her kids were involved in.
-She was crafty and always had something going.
-I think she "had" to have the crafts because she was nervous not doing something.
-Her house was either a mess or spotless; there was no in-between.
-Her priorities were in the right order and she would rock her kids (or any baby) with the house looking like a tornado just hit.
-She was more like a mom to me than a sister and I would go to her room if I was ever scared and she would protect me.
-She was very artistic.
-She was left-handed.
-She was Spiritual before it was easy and she didn't have the internet.
-She loved music.
-She used playing the piano as therapy.
-She would write letters, especially to resolve conflicts.
-She often wrote thank you notes.
-She was an excellent cook of comfort food.
-She always had her family eat dinner at the kitchen table.
-She always had the best groceries in the house.
-Her laugh.
-The way she teased, but never at the expense of anyone.
-How she set me up to do "singles" chats when I was single.
-How meticulous she was about cleaning.
-Her love for animals and always had cats, hamsters etc.
-She loved the windows open.
-She loved her garden and was proud to show you.
-She loved games like Scrabble and Rummy and was very good at them.
-She loved Sunday family dinners.
-She always made people feel comfortable stopping by and she was always home.
-She was the first to call me, "Ann."
-She loved hanging around the kids at a party more than the adults.
-She took me to my first Christian concert.
-She loved going out for breakfast; I loved to join her.
-She loved going to daily Mass.
-She was very quick to forgive her husband.
-She really knew how to make a home.
-There are many songs I hear that make me think of her.
-She loved wearing sweatshirts.
-She was the one I chose to be the Godmother of my firstborn.
-She enjoyed smoking.
-She loved candles.
-She cleaned houses and was a bus driver & had other jobs I don't remember.
-She didn't live for her job; she lived for her family.
-She would laugh when Mom wanted us to be serious; and we would follow her lead.
-She made cleaning look like fun.
-I think she was a Hippie in her day. She had a waterbed, incense and often wore a bandana.
-She was usually barefoot.
-She never wanted to disappoint Dad.
-She sometimes held a grudge and would forgive but not forget.
-She loved to be silly with her kids and tickle them almost until they cried.
-She was beautiful inside and out and she loved her family.
-She had a beautiful voice and I loved hearing her play the piano and sing.

Whenever I hear the song, "Leaving On a Jet Plane"  I think about the early morning when I heard God came to take her home. I also remember how happy I was that she wanted to go alone with me to Frankenmuth (that ended up being her last trip anywhere).  I will never forget her telling me that she was honored God was ready to take her, but was disappointed that it was taking so long. She was ready to go. She had planned every detail of her funeral and had a list waiting. I was honored that Fred asked me to do a reading at her funeral Mass. I am so grateful for all of the gifts she gave me in her life and the gift she gave me that when it's my turn to leave this world I will be okay and at Peace.



Vic still lives in each one of her precious children.  When I talk with them I feel like I am talking to my sister.  I will never forget her or stop talking about her. Please pray for each one of her children and grandchildren who miss her more than words can say. Thank you!

How do you want to be remembered at the end of your life?