Today is the first anniversary of the death/new life of my second Mother, Dorothy.  Really though she was more like a real Mother to me. 

I first met her and her husband Arnold (Bax) when I became friends with their daughter Linda.  Linda and I had seen each other at Church.  We didn't really become friends though until we started going to a Catholic Singles Group Meeting at the Cathedral back in the 1970's.  Linda and I were in our twenties then.  I had asked Linda if she sang in the folk group at Church.  She said yes and asked if I want to join because the group needed more singers.  I joined immediately.  I loved to sing and still do.  We had our practices at church, but once in a while we would practice at Linda's house.  Her parents were always very hospitable and fun to be around.  They supported all their children in all of their endeavors.  Linda has three brothers and all of them sing.  I started to become a regular visitor to their home.  I was always welcomed with open arms, loving smiles and hugs.  I was always treated with respect.  After a while, I was invited to family parties.  Mom and Dad (as I call them) would introduce me as their other daughter.  As the years went on I grow to love them very much.  Tom and I were invited to all of the family events.  We were at all of their children's weddings.  We were at all of their grandchildren's weddings.  We were at their fiftieth wedding anniversary mass and party.

Over the years, Mom and Dad would always give me support.  When I met my husband, Tom, I took him home to met my own parents.  Then I took  him over to met my second parents.  My parents didn't like Tom.  My own mother still does not like Tom and we have been married now for thirty-four years.  My other parents like him immediately.  When we got married Mom and Dad were at our wedding.  When we started having our children they came to see our babies.  When I miscarried our fourth baby, Mom and Dad were there with us to pray.  They always had Christmas presents for our children.  We have four, one son and three daughters.  When our oldest daughter Marie was eight, she was diagnosed with Leukemia, Mom helped me take care of her.  When Marie was healed of her Cancer, Mom and Dad  celebrated with us.  When Marie got married, they were at her wedding.  Over the years my own Mother has disowned me, for what reason I do not know.  When I ask her what I did to offend her, she says go ask your sister.  My other Mom and Dad loved me unconditionally.  They have loved me for over thirty years.  My own mom who has known me since birth some sixty-three years ago, can't be bothered with me.  She is eighty-six now.  I am not sure if she will ever forgive me.  I have forgiven her.  I'm not sure if I will ever see her again.  I'm not sure if I want to see her again.  I do wish that I could see my Mom Dorothy again.  I wish that I could hear her voice and see her beautiful smile.  I know that I will see her again in Heaven.

Last June, my Mom, Dorothy C. was diagnosed with a rare form of Cancer that is found in Native Americans.  None of the family, including her, knew that there was any Native Americans in the family.  The doctor started treatment on her at once.  It seemed to work for a while, but then it quit working.  By September she was in really bad shape.  She was home until the last week in September.  Her family had to put her in the hospital.  Tom and I went down to see her, but by then she was in and out of sleep.  At one point though she opened her eyes and asked me, "honey, do you know when I am going home"?  I told her, "I don't know Mom".  Looking back, now, I think that she wanted to know when she would see her Lord and Savior.  My response should have been, soon.

On September 29th, she was taken to the local Hospice.  The next day Linda called me to asked if Tom and I could come to the Hospice to sing with the rest of her children.  We were going to serenade her to Heaven.  There wasn't any hestitation in our coming.  We got in the car and went to Casa Grande.  That is where her and Dad had their home for quite sometime.  When we got there, all of her family and friends were gathered around her bed.    Her son Michael and Tom and I sang all of her favorite songs.  We tried to keep the music going.  I'm not sure if she really heard us, but I hope that she did.  Family would join in singing if they could.  The last song that we sang was On Eagles Wings.  Soon as the song was over, she took her last breath.  She died at 8:30 p.m. on September 30, 2009.  She and Dad were married for over fifty years.  Their love for each other never died.   

Her funeral was on October 6th.  All of her friends and children sang at her funeral, me included.  I miss her very much.  I loved her very much. 

This Sunday our family is getting together to celebrate Dad's 80th birthday.  It will be bitter sweet.

Thank you Mom for loving me.  You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

Thank you God for my Mother and for my wonderful family!