It's sort of difficult to think of a specific moment that Grandma made time stop...because I always felt that way around her.

Whether we were in the kitchen, chatting at the table, spending time in the family room, or at any family gathering, she had that special way of giving you her undivided attention.  Like that moment was all that mattered to her.

Even at a young age, I remember being amazed at how happy she always was.  Just bubbly and joyful and my favorite person to be around...It seems more apparant to me as I grow up that the only way to be that joyful and content is to constantly live in the moment.

I own this movie that I absolutely love, and I think the reason I love it so much is because the main character reminds me SO much of Grandma.  She is very witty and bright, so loving, so happy...and Irish!

The movie is called "The Prize Winner" and I really encourage you all to watch it sometime. 

I love you all.

Grandma, I love and miss you so much it hurts.

2010 Letter from Jim

Remembering Mom
3-1-10
How/when do you think Mom lived in the moment and managed to make time stand still.
I believe mom DID Live in The Moment. As I recall the simple things she did with limited time and money. One fond memory is her watching us kids in the pool from the kitchen window. I recall from the vantage point of in the pool where she would knock on the window and point to say “cut that out” and from the kitchen later when I was older watching her look out the window and smile at the fun the kids were having. Family was always a priority.

Thinking about how mom took pleasure in the simple things does bring a sense of relief, because for whatever reason I seem to never have enough time. Maybe I am too lazy and spend too much time with TV…strong possibility or commit to too much, worry too much, expect too much, buy too much, want too much, see too much, exposed to too much, have too much, think too much, etc.

So as I reflect on mom and this topic I wish and pray to be more like mom. I hope to smile more, laugh more, be more available and love more. If mom had made a bumper sticker it may have said “Expect Less – Get More”.

Love you Mom,

Thanks,
Jimmy

Remembering Mom

Sue,

 

Thanks again for keeping this tribute going.

 

Jimmy

 

 

2010 Sue's letter to mom

Dear Mom,

With six kids, I don't see how you ever had time to live in the moment. The responsibilities and routine of every day life tend to cloud the mind leaving little room for self awareness, in which time tends to pass right before our eyes.

As I look back on your life, I realize that often you were able to capture moments throughout the day and freeze time. For instance, when you would wake up before everyone in the house and have your cup of coffee. I think you managed to use this time to reflect and experience life. I also remember when you would rock babies in your arms; you seem to embrace the moment instead of focusing on the outcome of a quiet sleeping baby. Of course when you played your music, time seemed to stand still for everyone listening.

Once again, I find myself envious of your appreciation of time. I think that means I need to make a change in my life that will lead me toward moments to just be.

I miss you and love you,

Susie

#1 Son Dan

March 1, 2010 WHEN DID MOM LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Lets recall some special days,that would of stopped time,and you could say lived in the moment.

#1 The day Mom started School at St. Henry's

#2 The day Mom Finished grade's 1-8

#3 the day Mom Started High School ? [ not sure of high school]

#4 The day Mom Graduated High School

#5 The day Mom When to the FBI to Work

#6 The day Mom Met Dad

#7 The day Mom started work at Fords

#8The day Mom Got Married

#9 The day Mom went on her Honeymoon in Florida

#10 The day Mom moved into a brand new home 8910 Ruth

#11 The day Mom Gave Birth to Danny

#12 The day Mom Gave Birth to Jimmy

#13 The day Mom Gave Birth to Jerry

#14 The day Mom Gave Birth to Marie

#15 The day Mom Gave Birth to Diane

#16 The day Mom Gave Birth to Susan

#17The day Mom watched each of her children Finish Grade School & High School

#18 The day Mom went to each of her kids College Graduation

#19 The day Mom Watched her Kids get Married

#20 The day Mom watched Dad Retire after 34 years @ Fords

#21 The day Mom watched each of her Grand Children arrive

#22 The day Mom re-enter the work force at the Riley School

#23 The day Mom took all of us on a Cruise ship

#24 The day Mom retired from the school to take care of her Mother

#25 The day we all went Camping each summer

#26 The day of the Family re-unions

#27 The days Mom Visited each of her Childrens Homes for Family Stuff

I could continue for a while but the rest were NOT LIVING IN THE MOMENT THEY WERE BEING IN THE MOMENT......LOVE YA MOM dANNY

Dear Mom...

Feb. 2010;

 

Dear Mom,

I know how you used to slow down time for all of us.... your kitchen table.  How many delightful times were spent there!   Whether it was all of us, a few or just you and I, your kitchen table was a haven of rest and renewal.  You made it that way, with your welcoming smile, ready cuppa, snack or major meal.   We all just wanted to hang, laugh, listen and revel in being part of such a great family.  But the most important way that you made the madness of life slow to a crawl, was with your smile.  When anyone walked in the kitchen, you made them feel like they were the guest of honor.  You would jump up with that beautiful smile and lovely laugh and invite them into the heart of the kitchen... your table.  It didn't end there, because when anyone of us had something to say, you gave us your full attention, LOOKING at us in a way that we knew you were listening with your whole heart.  What a blessing to all of us, to have such an avid fan and encourager.  Oh Mom, I miss you so much. 

Love, one of the bookends, Jeanie