Today would have been my sweet Mother's birthday.
Joan Vivian Armetta would have been 78 years old.
After all this time, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her and remember her smile.
Happy Birthday Mommy!
She is Gone
You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't
see her or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live
yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow
because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she's gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty
and turn your back or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
David Harkins
It is also our first night back together as a group for "Girls Night Out" or better known as; "quilting, bitching, sewing and moaning" since concluding in early Fall. Shortly after we wrapped up in September for the 2010 season we received the sad and very unexpected news that our beloved friend and mentor, Sandi Ray passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 4th 2010.
It was difficult to even think we would be able to continue on with class every other Friday night at The Pine Needle without her. She was not only our instructor and friend but was truly the heartbeat of the group.
However after many tears and much discussion we all came to the same conclusion; "what would Sandi want us to do?" She would never ever want us to stop gathering for "Girls Night Out" just because she "couldn't make it to class". In fact I can hear her say..."what were you thinking, you gals need to get together and I need to get outta the house!"
So this evening, we are continuing our tradition of the last ten years to honor and remember our sweet, funny and adorable Sandi Ray...
We will laugh till our cheeks hurt just for you dear friend!
You Mother was a beautiful woman! It is hard to build new traditions on old foundations...but you can do it. I know your hearts will be heavy at first but you will probably all be laughing about the "remember whens" before the night is over- Hugs- Diana
ReplyDeleteYour Mother was so very pretty! What an incredible picture of her!
ReplyDeleteSuch a touching post, take care and remember all your wonderful times together!
Hugs,
Cindy
What a wonderful picture of your Mom. Sorry for your loss of a friend.
ReplyDeleteYour Mom was such a beauty! I know you will always miss her. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Sounds like she was a wonderful woman and I'm glad your group is going to continue to meet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to honor both your sweet friend and your Momma!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Gail
Now I am crying. Your mother was a gorgeous woman! I miss my mom so much and in the last few months it has been bad. She will have been gone 14 years this year and for some reason, it is really hurting me right now. I don't know if it is the holiday season or having my own baby. I just know that I miss her! The poem is beautiful. I have copied it and will read it often I think.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your friend's passing, but what better way to honor her than keep your group going. Enjoy our evening with your friends!
Your mom was absolutely beautiful and she no doubt raised a beautiful daughter.
ReplyDeleteSincerely sorry for the loss of your friend and I hope you find peace and comfort in your memories.
Your moms picture is just beautiful and I truly understand every word you lovely wrote. So sorry for the loss of your friend, she looks like a fun person to be with
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute. I'd love for daddy to see it, but not sure how he'd react, we'll see.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand the loss of a dear friend.
NVSue (bonus mom)