I've always seen tragedy from afar. Other people's families, friends, stories... But the assumption that my family would never have to go through such a thing has been shattered.
While I wipe my eyes, and try to write this, I want to sing the praises of my mother, the sacrifices and things she has done for my family.
My mother was born with cerebral palsey. This gave her constant migranes and only half-use of her right hand. Despite this, she still married my father, who in my opinion is the greatest man to ever live. She raised us four kids with my father, gave us a great sense of moral judgement, and helped us most when we needed it.
Because the family house of her parents was given to her, the responsibility for family gatherings went to her. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc. She gladly accepted this responsibility, despite the work it took to get it done.
Not once did she neglect us kids. My youngest brother is bipolar and ADD, and my second youngest brother and my older sister are ADD as well. My mother took on this responsibility with endurance and pride. She was the glue of our family.
She has done so much for me, my family as well as our friends.
Tragedy doesn't escape any family. If you would, call your parents, visit, or sit down with them at the dinner table and tell them that you love them, and be thankful for the things they have done for you. You never know when you might not have that chance again.
Brian Rada
AKA Jeff Raven
------------------
Intelligence, Integrity, Responsibility.
Vote Bush/Cheney 2000
------------------
"...I was just up in Canada, Toronto actually. You know, they really hate you guys [Americans] up there? The funny thing is, they think you hate them back, when in fact, you just couldn't be bothered to care. Now in Ireland, it's a different story. At least we had the common decency to wait until the English invaded before we started hating them. I guess the Canadians are hating you in advance..."
-Irish Comic Ed Byrne on Canada-US relations
Oh dear god.
I cannot say the same for my mother, but I understand the pain of losing someone who actually cared for you. You should be proud to have someone like her in your life. In the meantime, I offer my dear condolences.
------------------
"My Name is Elmer Fudd, Millionaire. I own a Mansion and a Yacht."
Psychiatrist: "Again."
[This message has been edited by Tahna Los (edited August 02, 2000).]
------------------
"The things hollow--it goes on forever--and--oh my God!--it's full of stars!" -David Bowman's last transmission back to Earth, 2001: A Space Odyssey
*passes on good wishes and stuff...*
------------------
"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it."
- George Bernard Shaw
------------------
"More beer, more beer, more beer, more beer! ARSE!"
- Ode to God.
------------------
Oh, fiddle faddle, everyone knows that our mutants have flippers. Oops, I've said too much.....
~C. Montgomery Burns
Also, I want to say that I find it both incredibly brave and deeply touching that you've found some small glimmer of positivity to share with us in what is no doubt a very rough time. Thank you.
------------------
"If Picard was set loose on a Monopoly board, he'd try and establish peaceable diplomatic relations with Marvin Gardens and give St. James Place wide berth so that its culture could develop without interference."
--
L. Fitzgerald Sjoberg
****
Read chapter one of "Dirk Tungsten in...The Disappearing Planet"! Because I'm the passenger, and I ride and I ride.
I must also note, now that I have more information:
My mom died as she lived. She was coming home from giving my brother a ride to work.
------------------
Intelligence, Integrity, Responsibility.
Vote Bush/Cheney 2000
To you and your family, Jeff... may God bless you and keep you. May he ease the pain you're feeling and may he give you the reassurance that your mother has gone on to a better place.
Charles Damark
------------------
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
Jeff, Death is the biggest lie in the universe. There is no such thing. She's probably more alive than ever now (with NO cerebral palsy). She could watch over you any time she wants to, and you might be able to contact her if you can find the right connections. Spirits can read minds, too. THOUGHT is real, bodies are the illusion. Think of a caterpillar in a cocoon. Do you weep when the butterfly emerges? You'll see her again, I garantee it.
------------------
"Dreams are the excrement of the mind, feces are the excrement of the body, and laughter is the excrement of the soul."
--Anonymous Indian guru
[This message has been edited by Tora Ziyal (edited August 03, 2000).]
------------------
"Why do you want to spend time with a deer? They're so stupid, they get hypnotized by headlights!" - Guido Anchovy
I only wish I could agree with Ziyal.
You know what? Maybe I do.
------------------
"Nobody knows this, but I'm scared all the time... of what I might do, if I ever let go." -- Michael Garibaldi
Andrew.
------------------
"Neil says hi by the way" - Tear In Your Hand, Tori Amos
I am sorry to hear that your mother had died. I am also glad you have enough strength and confidence in us all to write this.
------------------
Predict the unpredictable, but how do you unpredict the unpredictable?