I think it's very fitting I share this with all of you. Back when I joined MyCoupons, it was 1997. I was pregnant and had just lost my mom. I gave birth to Steven and hadn't really faced the loss of perhaps the most wonderful woman in the world. One day I was going through some bags left over after we sold her house, and I found recipes - some handwritten, some pasted onto cards. And I started sharing them over at the cooking forum here. The response was overwhelming, and I credit all the wonderful members here for getting me through such a terrible time in my life.

It's been 15 years since she died. There are days when I'm afraid I won't remember her voice. Then there are days her laughter is what keeps me going. Often times you'll hear someone say it never gets any better. I'm not sure I concur. I have found when it comes to grief, it evolves. You wake each morning, and for that first 10 seconds you think everything is okay - then the loss sinks in, and there is an emptiness. But you start out taking each minute, hour, day, month at a time until you've learned to fall in love with life all over again. I'll admit on the milestones the pain is palpable. But I have joy, I have laughter, because to have anything else would not be honoring the one woman who believed life is to be cherished. That's exactly what I've done. And while I'd give anything to have her back for just a moment in time, I wouldn't have her back the way she was. Now she's soaring, unencumbered by her sick and broken body. Some nights when I am really missing her, I walk outside and have a good cry - and as I look up in the heavens, I see a twinkle that I know is her beautiful eyes winking at me letting me know she's okay - and I'm okay too.

So to the members here who encouraged me, thanks for helping me work through me grief. I'll never forget you.

Martha Jane
6/4/925 - 10/11/1996

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Catt
~ Mirror Mirror on the wall, I am my mother - after all! ~

((hugs)) - I thought of you yesterday - I bought a whole chicken to make sticky chicken.

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beautifully said...thank you for sharing

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What a wonderful tribute to your Mom....it brought tears to my eyes.

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Thanks. ~Susan

Please email me at.... snschapin@yahoo.com

Do not value the things you have in your life,
but value who you have in your life!

Beautiful Catt. Definitely brought tears to my eyes. I am sure your mom is proud of you.

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SAHM of Bailey 12, Tyler 10 , Emily Ann 6, and Ryan Matthew 4 yrs old.

Simply beautiful you were blessed to have a wonderful mom in your life..Peace... Catherine

You were blessed to have such a wonderful, loving mother.
Your mother was blessed to have such a wonderful daughter.

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!