(((((Friends)))))),

Tom's post touched my heart and as many of you know, I lost my "adopted mom" last week and did her eulogy.  At the end of the service, so many relatives and friends told me that my words captured the true essence of her.  One even shared that though he did not know her prior to this service, he felt like he did after the eulogy.  And so I wanted to share her with all of you.  I was fortunate enough to have let Connie know how much she was loved and appreciated by me before she died of cancer as you will see if you choose to read on:

love in recovery,
Maria

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Family and friends of Connie,

Many of us are here today with heavy hearts over the loss of Connie.  Connie was a beloved wife, a devoted mother, a loving daughter, an adoring Gramma, a mother-in-law, a Godchild, a Godmother, an Aunt, an adopted mother to many, and an amazing friend.

I wanted to be able to share in the celebration of her life as it happens to relate to me; however, it is just a tiny snapshot of Connies life that I know will mirror what she has also been able to share with all of you.  It was a gift and blessing to have spent a lot of quality time with Mrs. as she was ending one journey and about to embark on another. We laughed, we cried, we held hands, we reminisced about the good ole days. I can tell you that Connie reminisced about so so many of you who are sitting here today her family, her church family, and her friends, with such fondness and love.

When Lisa, Jenn and Robbie decided to celebrate Connie and Bobs 45^th Wedding Anniversary, I wracked my brains over what gift I could give them that would be meaningful and so I decided to write them a letter to express my love and appreciation for them and especially Connie, who I always called Mrs.  And so I wanted to share this letter with all of you.

Dear Mrs. and Bob,

I want to congratulate you on 45 years!  Wow, thats a lot of years!

I just wanted to let you both know how much you mean to me, how much gratitude I have for the years spent at your home in my youth and adolescent years.  I have such fond memories of the time spent with your family.  You both were always so welcoming to me, all that time Lisa and I spent together eating over your home, sleepovers, playing in the basement for countless hours, and vacations at the Cape to name a few.

As I was sipping my diet Pepsi the other day, I remembered how great it was eating dinner at your house because you allowed me to drink soda J something that was only a novelty at my house and yet you all always drank water (a habit I have yet to acquire).  I loved all the experiences of trying different foods, especially Greek.  I remember the homemade pizza, (often on a Friday night) and that Connie so lovingly made the dough by scratch.  I loved having two Easters and celebrating Orthodox Easter with you.

It was so great having a home away from home, a place I could find refuge when I needed it.  Connie, I will never forget a lifes lesson you taught me at an early age regarding how to treat others kindly, nicely.  The way in which you taught me that lesson made an unforgettable impact on my life.

There are many more memories Girl Scout Camp, HamptonBeach, and the Emblem Club activities that you shared with my Mom, that I hold near and dear to my heart.  So as I congratulate you both on 45 years, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me have a part in many of those wonderful moments you both have to recall with each other.

Love Maria

Mrs. was so taken aback by the love and friendship from all of us at her anniversary party as is evident by her note back to me.  She wrote Dear Maria.  Could anything be more beautiful than a letter from extended family.  I am truly humbled that I had such a positive influence in your life.

                  Love,  xo xo xo Mrs and Bob

And so Robbie, Jennifer and my very best friend Lisa the life lesson that your wonderful Mother taught me was Gods Golden Rule that is To love your neighbor as you love yourself.  The lesson had to do with each of you and I hope you will find comfort in knowing that as young as I can remember, your Mother loved each one of you so very much and was like a lioness with her lair when it came to protecting each of you.

In Connies short time here on earth, she truly fulfilled Gods purpose.  Connie taught us how to love.  She taught us how to live.  She found catharsis in gardening.  She loved puttering around her yard.  She was a friend and advocate for all of her four-legged furry animals.  Connie found it peaceful standing in the livingroom window watching and identifying all the birds that visited her.  She loved shopping especially for jewelry.  She taught us how to knit and embroider.  She taught us the value of friendship.  Connie was a wonderful friend and what makes it so meaningful is that she was a friend to some of us at a time in our lives when we had no other friends.  Connie taught us the value of traditions.  She taught us how to cook and loved to bake.  Connie so enjoyed the work she did at the dentists office and most especially all the people.  Connie loved to travel and was fortunate to be able to see so many parts of the world.  She taught us how to laugh.  Connies smile and conspiratorial wink was a gift to many.  She taught us self-care; she loved to have her hair and her nails done.  She taught us beauty.  She truly appreciated those of you who accepted her for who she was.  Connie taught us how to live and she taught us how to love.

I have learned that Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.  Connie had so many wonderful, beautiful, breath-taking moments in her life.  She loved and was so loved in return.