My Tribute to the Most Amazing Mother a Girl Could Ask For

          My mom Barbara was an amazing mother and Mimi, and it is because of the woman she was and how she raised my sister and I, that I became the mommy and wife I am today. We had a very unique mother-daughter relationship growing up. She was my best friend, my #1 supporter, biggest fan and she will always be my hero! Mom and I overcame many obstacles together in life. Raising 2 daughters as a single mom was far from easy, especially after losing my dad to cancer so young. But Andrea and I were always her priority, and she did a wonderful job. I think the best compliment I can ever receive is “You remind me so much of your mother,” which I just heard from Jackie on Thursday while at Jacqueline’s Florist.

          My mom knew how to have fun too! We shared so many special memories together traveling the world and celebrating with loved ones. She was the life of the party and always made sure everyone felt welcome. Her life was full of adventures like white-water rafting down the Grand Canyon with Chris, backpacking in Europe with my dad and then again with me in Italy, cruising the seas with Aunt Nancy and Gram, driving out to South Dakota with Aunt Nancy to visit Aunt Judy, sailing up the Hudson with Matt, Kristin, Dougie and I on the Lacaba, visiting castles and pubs in Scotland and England with Diane and I, going on the Lewinski family ski trips and relaxing or more likely knowing mom going to concerts, playing paddleball or taking walks along beaches with so many friends and family. Being Scottish and English, Mom was a hair off from being Irish, but she definitely had a heart of gold and enjoyed her share of St. Patty’s day parades and bagpipes. I can’t say that I was ever really fond of mom’s taste in men except for my dad, Andy, and Matt of course, but nobody was ever going to be good enough for my mom.

          Barb was like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Her smile and laugh were infectious. Even though she dealt with her own hardships, she never complained and was always a shoulder to cry on for others. Mom was a dedicated friend who would give you the shirt off her back. She talked to anyone and would make friends with strangers everywhere she went. She made people feel comfortable and accepted so they often confided in her about their problems. She always listened, was genuinely concerned and tried to help if she could. Mom usually made them feel better or at least have a good laugh and knew how to make your problems seem not so big anymore.

          Some important life lessons that Mom learned from Gram, shared with many of us and that I hope to pass on to my girls are: Always treat others how you’d want to be treated. It’s nice to be nice, If you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all and most importantly when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Mom was definitely given her share of lemons, but she was always so strong and optimistic. She was like superwoman with special powers and lived her life to the fullest. If I can have at least half of her strength, compassion, energy and good will then I’m all set and will survive this and anything else God throws at me in this life.

          Mimi was always so good to her granddaughters, Skyler and Colby, and all kids really. She had a soft spot for children and always loved spoiling them with treats, hugs and special gifts. Every time Mimi came over she was either bringing the girls a bag of white cheddar popcorn to share, something festive or a new outfit for whatever holiday was coming up, or giving them all her change from her purse to put into their piggybank. My girls loved getting mail from Mimi because her letters always told them how proud she was and how much she loved them. She was a fun and imaginative Mimi who had sleepovers (even though she rarely slept good when sharing a bed with them), made cool forts, read them stories, took them on walks or bike rides, played balloon volleyball, had silly dance parties and gave them the best hugs and kisses ever. If I have learned anything from her, it is that life is precious and something to be cherished. Please help me carry on her life and spirit by talking about her, sharing fun stories, pictures and happy memories. I want her granddaughters to always know just how much their Mimi loved life and touched everyone that she met in a special way. Mom is at peace now and will always be our angel watching over us!

Everyone knows Barb loved to travel and she went on a lot of trips with a lot of friends.  The best trip I shared with her was our week rafting down the Colorado through the Grand Canyon.  We needed to spend the night before the trip in Page, AZ and luckily, our hotel was near the local bar.  That night we learned the two-step from a couple of local cowboys and drank way too much, way too late, especially since we had to get up at 6 a.m. to meet the bus.  We made it just on time as we ran from the local store with our last-minute supplies…and, boy, did we suffer from the worst hangovers the whole way to the river. 

The trip was in the summer and it was so hot, we slept in sleeping bags without any tents for cover. The sound of the river rushing passed did help put us to sleep even though we feared unseen insects, snakes and river monsters!  Since we were the only ones with the foresight to bring a “stash” of alcohol carefully snuggled in our duffel bags

---  c’mon now, who of you can go an entire week without a drink???  ---

we, naturally, appointed ourselves the after-dinner hostesses at our nightly roundups.  We shared our meager refreshments with the others and everyone told jokes and stories through the night.

We didn’t have many pictures to show because at one of the stops Barb voluntarily jumped off the departing raft to pick up some trash somebody left behind…she didn’t realize that she took the trash but left the camera on a boulder.  Well, we always had our memories!   She also saved my life when we hit some really fierce rapids actually causing me to pop straight up in the air and right out of my sneakers.  She grabbed my shirt just in time to stop me from going overboard. 

When it came time to get in the helicopter and leave the Canyon, I’ll never forget Barb’s tearful sniffles.  She had totally bonded with the crew and passengers and just did not want to go. She hugged each and every person while the helicopter waited, blades spinning - and then she reluctantly came aboard. 

It was the best trip of my life and it wouldn’t have been if Barb didn’t go with me.  She was the only person I could share those memories with; but now, since I’ve told you all, you can help me remember.