The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
This is for my Mom (Toni as she was known) and for all my AlaMoms.
Mom,
Even though we can't be together because God called you home when I was only 19, I wanted to thank you for still being there for me. Your life was far from perfect, but it was you who taught me the lessons I use today.
Thank you for showing me that love doesn't have to be perfect or ideal. You only have to have love in your heart for someone or some place, or for a pet for it to be worth fighting for. To call that place you go to at the end of the day, as long as there is love - home.
Thank you for instilling strength, courage and virtue in me. Your strength and courage (even to cry) when you were facing surgery has given me the strength and courage to fight for what I believe in, and those I love. You never wavered in your desire to fight for the rights of others (how many kids do you can say that their Mom got arrested because she was striking for worker's rights? How cool was that?) You reminded me many a time, it's not what you get, it's what you give to others that makes life worth living. It isn't how much time we have with each other, but what we do with the time we are given.
Thank you for singing to me, and teaching me to cook, and reading to me. I still hear your voice telling me to "Sleep with the angels". Reading to me by candlelight on a cold, snowy night, with the smell of rice pudding in the oven is still one of my favorite things to do. I hear your soft contralto voice singing Christmas Carols, and your favorite Barbara Streisand albums. Thanks for trips to museums, art galleries, Plymouth, opera, theatre, and our favorite Saturday hang out: the butcher shop. Thank you, thank you for sharing your love of football. You may have been a Steelers fan, but I still love you. Thanks for being a jock when know one knew what that was!
Thank you for showing me the importance of knowing God in our own way. I never understood until recently what you meant by "God touching your heart." Now I know. You took me to different kinds of religious services, so that I could make up my mind how and when I wanted worship.
Thank you for sharing me your love of nature and gardening, despite my brown thumb. Thank you for spoiling our pets, because now when I spoil Pipers I tell people it's inherited and there isn't a darn thing I can do about it.
Thanks for the best line about the men we love: "When their behavior can't be explained, just remember this: Their Y chromosome is twisted for a reason! But we love them anyways." Your humor in the face of adversity, has seen me through many a day.
Most of all thank you for giving me the gift of being me. Foibles and all, it's who I am. But I never would have had the courage to be me, if you didn't always encourage, laugh, sometimes ground me, and show me that being me is what God had planned.
It is because of you, that I am here. I have found another family who loves me and supports me. It's because of you and them, that I still fight for the man I love and believe in. I know he will find long term sobriety, and I will find my long term recovery. I may slip along the way, but they are there to pick me back up, and you're in the back telling me to get going. It can and will be done.
"Your heart was made of holidays. Your smile was made of dawn. Your laughter was an April song that echoes on and on...." That's you in a song. You use to sing it to me. Who would have thought that I could use that to describe you. Hmmmmm like mother like daughter.
From the bottom of my heart: I love you dearly Mom and miss you more than you'll ever know. But I know you're with me, and so is Dad. Thank you for giving me 19 incredible years. I am the luckiest daughter on earth.
Happy Mother's Day Mom.
Live strong,
Karilynn
__________________
It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Lovely tribute Karilynn. I miss my own dear mother so very much. While, like your mom, she was not perfect, I admired and emulated her in every way. I know she will have a happy Mother's Day, and some day I am sure we will all be reunited.
Those of you who still have your moms, please cherish every minute.
Diva
__________________
"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
I know you are having a beautiful Mother's Day! Just look around you, wish we could see what you are seeing!
Thank you, thank you, dear lady, for giving us Karilynn. She surely has earned her wings in this world. What a big, loving heart your girl has! You are a terrific Mom!
Love in Recovery,
Becky1
PS: Toni, please give my Grandma Phelps and my Mamo a big hug and kiss when you see them today, and tell them I love them, and Happy Mother's Day.
touches my heart. such in the way you put the words together so beautfiully. i cant think of any other word. haha... just "Beautiful" soo special. Sweet Kariylynns *Tribute to Her Mom, Toni! I love it.
You are such a beautiful person Kari! I just know that your dear mother had to have been, too and that she is proud of the woman she raised. My dear mother has been gone a long time, too, and after reading your tribute to your mother, I just somehow feel they must be great friends in heaven! Thank you for being you, Kari. You inspire me!
You took me to different kinds of religious services, so that I could make up my mind how and when I wanted worship.
Thank you for spoiling our pets, because now when I spoil Pipers I tell people it's inherited and there isn't a darn thing I can do about it. 
"Your heart was made of holidays. Your smile was made of dawn. Your laughter was an April song that echoes on and on...." 
HUGS
touches my heart. such in the way you put the words together so beautfiully. i cant think of any other word. haha... just "Beautiful" soo special. Sweet Kariylynns *Tribute to Her Mom, Toni!
I love it.