Jimmy - Remembering Mom 2026

Mom

She was always a mother to me, in every sense of the word… Especially after my own mother died.  

Mom, I miss you. I really do. I just found my letter from last year. I had quickly written it but never published it. At least I wrote it! I was worried I’d forgotten entirely.

2025 flew by in a blur, totally wrapped up with my job. The GM culture is changing. They are constantly ranking and pitting employees against each other, and letting people and even whole departments go. On top of that, the way we architect our controls and software is being completely overhauled, leading to demanding deadlines. It really got in my head. I wasn’t terribly worried, but it felt unfair and unnerving to imagine GM letting me go before I hit my 85-point pension day. It didn’t help to have a boss who seemed to care more about himself than his direct reports. I was constantly stressed out.

But I made it! December 8, 2025, was my 85-point day, which means subsidized healthcare in retirement. I will officially retire April 1, 2026. I don’t think I’ll look for another job, but it sure feels crazy not making money. A part-time remote job would be nice to keep my mind sharp, but with today’s interview circus, that’s basically impossible.

I have to admit, I’m a little unsure about having zero obligations. It’s weird not having something to chase. I keep thinking about you and your ticker tape hobby as you looked for your next stock to buy. I’m planning to exercise more, play some pickleball, plan trips, actually try to cook meals for two that don’t involve cereal, and maybe watch the market a bit more. I hope I can learn to enjoy figuring out what my “ticker” will be. Thanks for setting an example to always view life with a smile and happy tune.

Love

Susie

2025 Letter from Susie

 Hello Mom,

I am in Pennsylvania at a robotics competition and almost forgot it was March 1st. I am glad I remembered because I want to continue this tradition of writing to you. 

I just wanted to say I am thinking about you today.

Love Susie

 Dear Mom,

As I sit down to write these words, I'm overwhelmed by a flood of memories and emotions.  It's been 21 years since you left us, yet I still have very vivid memories of you.

You had a gift for making people smile, for filling time with a song and for offering a helping hand to those in need. Your presence filled our home with warmth and laughter, creating cherished memories that are still very comforting to me.

I know you experienced the roller coaster of events and emotions that being a mom brings. From the highs of laughter and joy to the lows of worry and exhaustion, you did your best to navigate and accept each of us as individuals. Letting kids grow and find their way requires a lot of patience and love. I wish we would have been able to share that cuppa tea and trade stories.

My kids are good. Finding their independence and becoming adults. Collin is still at Ford and living in Ann Arbor, Allison moved to Portland, OR and seems to like her job at Nike and Shane is finishing up his 2nd year at Kettering.

Right now I am filled with respect, appreciation and love for you and dad. Wish you were both here with me.

Love,

Susie

 

Blough, Marie

1:54 PM (4 hours ago)

to me

 

Mom,

Wow. 20 years. They say that time heals all pain, but I am not so sure for every time I think of you, I miss you more and more. Sure, as time passed it has gotten easier and there are not so many tears but more fond memories, your voice in head guiding me and helping thru good and difficult times. I have a beautiful family in which I am very proud of, and they bring so much joy to Jim and me.

 

Jim and I will be celebrating 35years this year. And I have to say it’s been a wonderful/challenging ride. Ryan joined the Air Force for six years and now works for General Motors. He is married to a beautiful lady (Victoria) and we now have two beautiful grandchildren (Hayden 13 ½ and Sofia 5) that are our pride/joy. Jim retired and has been watching our little Sofia for the past 5 years. We are truly blessed that we get to see Sofia almost every day and Hayden as often as we can. Since, the pandemic I have been working from home and I am looking at the possibility of retiring in May 2024 (maybe), (God willing and if I do retire, I know God will provide). Andrea, graduated for college and is making her way thru the crazy world we live in. She is living in Florida, works at Disney World (she is my Disney girl, just like our Sofia ) and Top Golf, has a doggy and loving her life. She works very hard and many long hours but enjoys what she is doing thus far.

 

Miss you mom, Love you mom. Both you and dad are

Always on my mind, forever in my Heart.

 

Our Grandkids – or pride and Joy

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 2023

Bavarian Inn Frankenmuth

Princess luncheon

 

Disney on Ice – February 2023-

 

Hayden First Middle School dance – 8^th gr

 

Christmas 2022

Hayden and Sofia – our pride and joy grandchildren

 

Stll have this Minnie custome you helped

Me make for Andrea. No Sofia wears it.

 

 

 

Family Disney Trip 2022- April

 

 

 

 

 

Summer 2022

 

Andrea/Dad 2022

 

Me/Andrea

 

Andrea and her Nugget Sofia – Our 2 Disney Ladies

 

Aunt Andrea & Hayden

Sofia and Daddy – First day of pre-K 2022

Ryan & Hayden

Grampa and Sofia – Zoo 2022

Mommy and Sofia

Ryan & Victoria

 

 

Family 2017 Ryan & Victoria Wedding

 

2023 letter from Susie

Mom,

Twenty years ago today…My eyes are filled with tears and my heart is so heavy. 

You brought the cheer, the laughs, the music, and the love.  Miss you every day. 

It was another big year. Big trip to Greece, Collin bought a house, Shane graduated and started college, Allison is moving to Oregon and we bought a newer motorhome. 

Wish you were here to share stories. 

Keep watching over us. 

Love 

Susie