This eulogy, written by my sister, Dawn, was shared at our mother’s burial at sea.
Mom Was Always Smiling
Our parents had a rare love that spanned the 62 years of their marriage (plus their courtship years) up until our father passed away five years ago. There were best friends, partners, and lovers and now they are together again in heaven.
My sisters, brother and I have often expressed the fact that we lived a charmed childhood. Now that we are adults, we realize this was our reality because of our wonderful mother. She provided us the perfect balance of security, activities, and independence to give us a childhood without the realities of the cruel world creeping into our young lives.
When the car needed new tires, we never knew it was a problem because Mom was always smiling.
When Mom missed dad terribly while he was away, we never knew because Mom was always smiling.
Smile quote – Phyllis Diller – FREE Printable
When Mom was exhausted at night, we never knew because Mom was always smiling.
When Mom was short on cash before payday, we never knew because Mom was always smiling.
When Mom worried about our safety as teenagers, we never knew because Mom was always smiling.
Smile Miracles quote – FREE Printable
When Mom drove us home through hurricane rain and winds, we never knew her fears because Mom was always smiling.
Smiling Strong quote – FREE Printable
When Mom wanted to skip a Girl Scout meeting because she was tired, she didn’t and we never knew because Mom was always smiling.
Smile quote – Mark Twain – FREE Printable
When the refrigerator broke down and needed repairs, Mom worried but we never knew because Mom was always smiling.
When her sister was being difficult, we never knew because Mom was always smiling.
Smile Gift quote – Mother Teresa – FREE Printable
When Mom didn’t know if Dad was safe or not in Vietnam, we never knew because Mom was always smiling.
The only time I recall my mother crying when I was a small child was when President Kennedy was assassinated. I was 5 years old at the time; we were swimming at the Base swimming pool and she started to cry. This scared me because I had never seen her cry before.
With the Air Force taking our father away from home regularly, Mom was responsible for the day-to-day lives of us four busy children. She joked later in life that these times apart actually kept their marriage strong since they missed each other so much when apart.
We all knew that we were loved, I don’t think any of us felt that Mom or Dad loved one of us more than the other. If she did, it was her secret. It’s quite a legacy to leave – that I have tried to model to my children – and hope that they carry forward to theirs; that all are loved equally with all your heart!
Now that I have reached my later years, I realize that Mom must have had the same worries and concerns that we all have; but she chose to keep them to herself which enabled us, her children, to live a carefree childhood. This is a trait of a truly strong and courageous woman, who dedicated her life to the ones she loved the most, her husband and children.
Godspeed sweet Mommy
Let our love fly to you each night on angel’s wings
Godspeed sweet Mommy; I love you!
Dawn’s eulogy about our mother’s smile resonated with each of us, Jo’s four children, by transporting us back to our idyllic childhood. A mother first and foremost, our mother gave us the gift of a charmed childhood – a carefree life full of adventures and endless love – and we never felt distressed or worried because Mom was always smiling. We understand now, more than ever, how truly blessed we were to have been born to our parents.
Until Next Time,
Other Posts from Toot Sweet 4 Two’s Archives:
I’m Not Ready {a eulogy for an angel}
I’m smiling through my tears.
Thank you, Anna!