Today would have been my mom's 77th birthday. She died less than 3 weeks ago from metastasized breast cancer that had spread to her lungs, liver, and spleen. She had an amazing spirit and never slowed down. I was lucky enough to speak at her funeral and this is what I said:
Hello, my name is Heather. I am Ginny and John's youngest child. I always told her that she saved the best for last which made her laugh but she would never agree. My mom loved all four of her children with equal veracity and never wanted to show partiality but I know I’m right.
The home that my mom built was a safe and caring home. There was never a question if she would be there to pick you up after school or if dinner would be ready at 6. Because it was ready at 6 without fail. She was there for each of us exactly when she needed to be which made her a great mom.
Ginny always wanted to be a mom. She was one of four girls and the one the others said had really married for love. And I do believe that she married for love. My dad adored her and they had a long and happy marriage. Just one month shy of 55 years.
Our mom built an amazing network over the years with her bright smile and amazing memory. Look at this service! She loved making a personal connection with everyone she met and would remember their story as well as her own. She always taught us that "you remember someone's name because you want to. If you choose to remember it when you meet them then you will." It was that simple.
Our mom faced cancer with the same simple determination. She never wanted the disease slow her down so it didn't. She was never scared or even complained. She simply put her feet on the ground and went about her day. She had things to do and cancer wasn't one of them.
As you leave this service, make a connection, remember a new name, and do it because our mom did it with you.
