“Forget Me Not” (You’ll Always Be Remembered…)
January 2025 will mark three years since my Mom died. It’s been three years of profound grief and lots of tears. But for every tear shed, there’s been a smile or a laugh from the beautiful memories she’s left behind for her loved ones to treasure.
My Mom has three children, 4 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren and she put all of us first in her life. Her love and kindness knew no bounds. She got on the floor to play with all of us. She cooked delicious food, baked the best cookies, buns, and cinnamon rolls. My Mom always had the little containers of orange juice in her refrigerator and would painstakingly put dabs of peanut butter on those little oyster crackers for her grandkids. She sent cards with cash, brought little surprise gifts and popsicles when she popped in for visits, and always made sure she had treats for her grandpups.
My Mom’s youngest great-grandchild, Ophelia had just turned three years old when “Gram June” died. Before she died, my Mom expressed to me her concern that her younger great-children would not remember her after she died. I reassured her that, of course they would. And I have kept her memory and legacy of love alive. I have photos of my Mom around my house, I share stories of the fun times that Gram June had with everyone.
One of my friends has a clothing boutique and she sells exquisite dresses for little girls. One of the dresses is named, The Lauren Dress - “Forget Me Not.” It struck a chord with me and I purchased it for Ophelia. Her 6th birthday is in two days and last weekend she had a special birthday sleepover with all kinds of fun “Gaga and Me’ things, including a trip to the National Aviary, where we had an encounter with Vivian the Sloth, and fed the Lorikeets. She wore her “Forget Me Not” dress and had a mini photo session with a photo of Gram June. Gazing down at the photo in her hands, Ophelia smiled and exclaimed, “Ohhhh, I remember her!”
Oh Mom, we will never forget you or stop loving you…