Missing Mommy

This is a hard week for me and I know it is for most of my family. Saturday (7-2) will be the 8 year(WOW, can you believe 8yrs?) anniversary of my Mother leaving us to be with her FATHER in heaven. I have not had a day that she has not been in my mind, heart, and life. When I take a step back and look at this entire week it hits me how much has happened.
For me My last day with my Mom was wonderful. It was a Friday (6-27-97) . Odd that we both had a wedding that night, but different couples. We got up and worked on some art projects. Mom was finishing the last touches on the painting that was to be a gift that now hangs in Lil' Phils house. We always had a habbit of doing final checks on eachothers work to see if any detail was left.
Once done we decided to go for brunch at Around the Clock. We talked and laughed for a couple hours. We talked about the future and my 6 month relationship with a man named Jim.(now my husband). Discussed so much and such deep thoughts it is to much to write. Then we headed to WalMart (my mothership!!!) That year was the start of self scans throughout the store to check a price. Those of you who know mom will be able to picture this pretty good. She grabbed an armful of small objects like hair clips. She then proceeded to scan and throw each item at me and laugh. God, I can still hear her laugh! It was just HER! That silly, giant hearted, God loving, child that everyone wanted to be around. I want to be like her!!! You? We even looked at engagement rings that day just to see what I liked. Cool.
Back at the house and time for me to head out... Mom helped me get dressed, Painted my nails, pulled up my hair, and walked me to my Jeep. As we hugged for the last time she told me she loved me and wished me a safe trip up North. Then said "see you soon!"
I left and went to the wedding then up north for a vacation with Jim. Jim and I had been fighting on the trip and decided to cut it short by two days. We came home on 7-3-97. Messages on the answering machine and notes on the door, something was very wrong. Forty minute drive to find my mother gone and a entire family in tears.
The year after that I had to put my dog Pumpkin down that had been a true friend for 13 years. She held on for that first year of loss I feel just to help me through. So, this week does suck and I think of (6-27 last day with Mom)(6-28 passing of Pumpkin)(7-2 Passing of Mom)(7-3 day I came home).
Each year I think of these days. I do cry but I also remember. I am so lucky to have had every moment with my loved ones. That reminds my to enjoy the moments with all the ones here and make sure they will have good memories of ME too!!! :)