Dear Mom, a.k.a. Big Joanie, a.k.a. Fluffy Grandma,
Your love for each of us was manifested in so many wonderful ways. It was most manifest in the little “finishing touches” that you always managed to add to whatever you did for us. From hand-making a set of unique and original Boy Scout patrol patches, to cooking and baking with panache well before the current “foodie” crazes, chauffeuring (often long distance) with care and (usually) good humor, embroidering the hearts on your Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls even though they would not be seen unless one looked, to providing an atmosphere of gentle discipline that encouraged respect and studiousness, you gave us the best of you and the best of what you knew. You always encouraged us to go the extra step, and to do our best always and in all things. We hope to continue to live up to your expectations and example.
We know that you really missed Dad and you were not quite the same without him. But it seems that now you will be together – he is so happy, it looks like he’s once again arranging snow for us for the days of your wake and funeral! Tell him we miss him too!
Although you were blessed with a loving husband, two wonderful (sic) boys, and two dynamic grandsons, we also know that at times there was just too much testosterone around for your liking and that you cherished your relationships and friendships with so many of your own gender. From your cousins, the daughters of your mom’s sisters, the Wielgosz Family girls, of whom Stephanie is still with us, your Borek Family nieces Barbara, Mary Ann, Monica and Lenore, your daughters-in-law Susan and Jenny, and your granddaughters, Alex, Magda, Sam and Anastasia, to your non-blood –related “nieces” like Patsy and Martha (Slomkowski), Barbara and Terry (Schaeffer), Lucy and Janet (Merin), Cathy (Meskiell), and your friends like Vicky Gangi, Ann Merin, and so many others, you took time to listen, to teach, to share, to encourage. You were a good and constant friend.
Mom, you will be missed by many, but especially by Andy and me and our families. We trust that you and Dad are in the loving embrace of, and doing the dance of love (perichoresis)* with , our Triune God.
May your memory be eternal!
With love, Tom
*What, did you expect anything less, having two Jesuit –educated sons?
