Last week was a tough one as Dan's mother passed away Tuesday evening. We said our last goodbyes this past weekend. She would have officially been 92 last Saturday. This is her and Dan's father many years ago and a little capture of her favorite dog Katie.
Our daughter took various snap shots from the memory boards that were set up at the funeral home.
She spent her married life along side her husband (of 62 years) as a dairy farmer. It's been 30 years since they were actively farming but one can't help but look around at the farm and have a flood of memories of how it was when it was still active.
Born 2nd in a large family of 13! She was a very determined woman with the "can do" attitude and I admired that. She fussed with the inside of her tiny 900 sq. ft. home painting and wallpapering. She never focused on the "I want more" kind of thinking- just what she needed. She was painting furniture and repurposing things long before the modern craze had begun.
Holding our son in 1984….
and our daughter in 1987.
She played the accordion and piano. At Christmas we enjoyed hearing the piano playing holiday tunes which was always a treat. We will be transporting this piano to our daughter's house who has requested it.
They raised 4 children. The two daughters are both talented artists. The youngest son is talented in carpentry and loves to still do some farming (he's growing hops now for the recent surge in small breweries these days). Dan my hubby received a "crystal radio" kit as a child and that started his love for electronics early on and proved to be his destiny in life.
It's hard to get everybody together so we managed to get one at the funeral home.
I chose this garden planter to keep Norma in my memory. When I first met her I was so intrigued by her pretty zinnias planted with the vegetable garden. She showed me how to open the flower head that was loaded with seeds and my love for flower gardening began then! I plan to plant a bunch of zinnias in her honor next year!
Until We Meet Again Norma
You are loved and missed already.
Dear Liz, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother in Law. Your words are a beautiful tribute to her who sounds like an amazing lady. So nice to see you were able to get a photo of your hubby with his siblings. Lifting prayers for your family and sending my sympathy to all.
ReplyDeleteDairy farming, huh? I certainly love that! I'm so sad for Dan and his siblings and all of you who have endured the pain of losing a parent. She came from a huge family!!! The pictures tell a story of many good times for you to hold near and dear. My love and deepest sympathies to you all.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Your mother in law sounded like a great women to know. May you and Dan find peace in the coming days as you hold onto memories of Norma. Prayers🙏
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like Dan's mom was a very special lady. What wonderful memories you have!
ReplyDeleteOh Liz, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a sweet tribute you wrote for her.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet tribute to your mother-in-law, Liz. It hurts to lose those we love. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be for you and Dan. ♥
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss!...She seemed like such a very special person. I am sure that the fond memories that you have of her will get you through this most difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMay peace be with you at this time.
ReplyDeleteLinda C
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your mother-in-law, Liz. I can tell by your lovely tribute that you were friends and loved her dearly! Please accept my sincere condolences.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute! So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Gert
Dear Liz, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother in law's passing. She sounds like she was a wonderful lady. Loved seeing the pictures of her. My prayers are with you and your family. Thanks you sweet friend for always know what the flowers are! :)
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Liz, I am so sorry for the loss of Dan's mother. Life can be difficult. We always have our treasures and lovely memories to console us. A beautiful tribute for Norma. xo
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your families loss. - She sounded like a wonderful and well loved woman. This was a nice tribute to her.
ReplyDeleteLiz, I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet tribute to your MIL. I'm sorry to hear of your loss - and your family's. Matriarchs leave a huge hole in the family! I pray you will be strengthened by adding the things to your garden that remind you of her. Such sweet memories!
ReplyDelete