 |
| From J&J Slide Show Pics |
I know, it's just a little picture. But it's the only one I have on our hard drive of me and my mom. It was taken when I was brand new.
Today marks the 10 year anniversary of my mom's passing. Yes, it is a day that brings some tears and sorrow. But more than that, it's a day to celebrate moments and memories of Mom's life. Of course I am a bit partial, but I think Kathy Pandiani was an incredible lady. She lived a life that's easy to celebrate. She was sincere, loving, caring and joyful. She loved to dance and laugh. She wanted people to feel involved and important. And she found great joy in serving others.
My mother taught me to be a woman of faith and prayer. Throughout her sickness, she always had her eyes focused firmly on our Lord. I remember her praying for healing but also praying for God's sovereign will to be done. I believe she was a testimony of God's love in her life and in her death.
A lot has changed in the last ten years; graduations, a wedding, moves all over the country and world. There is so much of my life that I wish I could share with her, although God has blessed me with many wonderful people to share these moments with. Of course, I will always miss her. But I am so blessed to have lived 17 years of my life with Mom.
Two memories: This may be bad parenting. But to reward me for doing well at my piano lessons each week, Mom would buy me a vanilla latte and a chocolate chip cookie from Shakabra Java on 6th. This started when I was in 3rd grade.
Every Christmas we would spend Christmas Eve and Day with Mom's family. Part of the tradition was Family Follies, our annual family talent show. Mom always planned out a little act for us to do, usually with elaborate choreography. One of the most memorable Family Follies was when I was almost six and Mom, Melissa and I performed "The 12 Days of Christmas" with interpretive dance. Sarah recited a poem about her Auntie Flo who gave her underwear every year. She can probably still say it, you can test her on it.
8 comments:
checked the blog b/c thinking about this occassion...love you
Julie,
One of my clearest memories of your mom was when she treated us to a Shakabra coffee freshman year. I am so glad that you have such tender memories of your mom. Thank you for sharing about her.
Love you,
Alicia
I've never seen this particular picture - what a gift to have the tender moment shown through the touch of your mom. Keep up the writing Julie. It makes me feel like I get a glimpse of your life.
Well, Red, in reading your comments about mom, lets just say it looked like I had been watching the Hallmark Channel all day! Your depiction of her on this 10th rememberance of her passing is perfect. I guess I have worried over the years about your abilities to remember exactly who she was...As usual the Lord took care of that. You remember her EXACTLY as she lived her life. We love you. Dad
oh julie. i just read your blog today. beautiful post and beautiful memories. thank you for sharing your love and your heart.
Every year on Christmas there is a gift from Auntie Flo
I think she sent me underwear for three years in a row
The box is always beautiful, the bow is neatly tied
Oh but how I wish there wasn't underwear inside...
Another favorite from mom...
Every year on Christmas we go out caroling.
The neighbors shut their windows when they hear my family sing
But sometimes they bring cookies on a tray,
I think they bring us cookies just to make sure we'll go away.
Love you sister.
what a sweet, sweet picture. your post makes me wish i could have met your mom...i know i would have loved her. you have many similar traits. thanks for sharing your memories of her - and now i know why you are such a coffee addict! :)
This is a beautiful picture.
Post a Comment