March 10, 1989

When I was taking my shower this morning thinking about what needed to be done, what day of the week it was, and then what date of the month it was - March 10 sure had a familiar ring to it and it took me a second to remember why. 21 years ago my first mother-in-law, Mary Lynam, passed away. So today I feel like I should remember her and share memories of her. She died when my kids were little and their memories are hard to remember.

Mary was a special person to her friends and family. She always put her family first and went over and above to take care of each of us. She was always the one person that joined every committee, went to every PTO meeting, and was volunteering to help anywhere she was needed. Not many days would go by when you'd walk into the house and not smell some delicious dinner or dessert she had been cooking that day.

We had gotten off to a little bit of a rocky start when I first married her son, but after having my first child, she and I developed a close mother-daughter bond. She was the first person I would call if the kids were sick and I needed advice. She had wanted to be a grandmother more than anything, and she certainly loved and spoiled those grandkids. The greatest compliment I had ever received from her was that I was doing a great job taking care of the kids. As a single mother, I was responsible for everything and I really felt proud that I was doing a good job in her eyes. I had always held her standards high as I watched her take care of children. So when she passed away, I felt truly sad. Sad that she was going to miss those grandbabies growing up, getting married, and having children. But mostly sad because she missed out on all those bedtime stories, warm hugs, sticky kisses, and "I Love You's" -- because these were the things I know she cherished the most.



Though we didn't know it then, this was the last Christmas that we would spend with her. We had made plans to have Grandma and Grandpa stay the night with us so they would be there first thing in the morning for Christmas Day. Before we put the kids to bed on Christmas Eve, she sat down and read them the Night Before Christmas. This is one of my most favorite photos of her and the boys.

So today Mary, this tribute is for you to let you know how much you were truly loved by all. We sure have missed you and I still hope that you think I did a great job!