That would have been my beloved Mom's birthday. She would have been 88

I cried that day - and wasn't much good the following day, either.  It's been over thirty years that she's been absent from my daily life, but I miss her much all the same.

If you loved and respected your parents, losing the people who give you life in this world is never easy. I try to respect and give comfort to those who suffer that loss. I NEVER tell them, "Get over it." I didn't appreciate it when I was told that. She was my Mom.

"Look how she's holding up," I heard someone say to someone else. "Not a tear."

No, I didn't cry then. It hit me hard, six weeks later, during a retirement party for a friend. Something - I don't remember what - rubbed me the wrong way and the tears began. I was 200 miles away from home, and,suddenly, so LONELY. It's a horrible feeling.

Happy (belated) birthday,Mommy. I hope the angels made you a nice cake and gave you many presents. You deserve every one of them.

Your loving daughter - MaryJanine..