Remembering Mom

It seems crazy to think that it has been 10 years since my mom passed away. Seriously, how can that be? Losing my mom was the most traumatic experience I have ever gone through. I was just a 19 year old college freshman trying to find myself in this world. 10 years later, I am now a 29 year old mother of two, wife, and teacher. At the time of her death, I couldn't have imagined my life would be as amazing as it is. I am sure my mom has a big part in that though since I know she is my angel who watches over me. In the years past, I have shared stories of my mom. Today, I am going to share a list of things that I remember about her.

*My mom loved to talk on the phone. Plus, she would talk to my grandpa everyday in Polish when he called. I think it was because she was talking about us kids and didn't want us to know what she was saying ;) But she was a phone-lover. She would have loved having her own cell phone.

*My mom used to drink coffee when she ate ice cream. She always said the ice cream was too cold on her teeth and she needed the coffee to off-set it.

*She used to set out her piece of fruit she wanted to eat the next day, rather than keep it in the frig.


*My mom was very afraid of water because she did not know how to swim. She made sure we all took swimming lessons though so we didn't have the same fear.

*My mom was the only one our pet cat liked. She would hiss at the rest of us and cuddle right up by my mom.

*My mom liked the shows Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Survivor, 20/20, and anything that had to do with doctors and medicine.

*She was not flashy and not a fashionista at all. She liked to get dressed up, but preferred her sweatshirts and comfy clothes.

*She liked to sleep in late and stay up late.

*She called me je-vue-ha (which means little girl in Polish) and tootse as my nicknames.


*Keeping to tradition was important to her and she always stuck close to her Polish roots.

*Her favorite non-polka song was Spooky.

*When she went to kindergarten, she only spoke Polish.

*I never once remember my mom ever having a drink of alcohol.

*She prayed the rosary everynight before bed and if she fell asleep praying it, she finished it in the morning.

*She loved to travel.

*Her hearing was amazing. I didn't get away with being late for curfew--ever.

*She loved her family unconditionally and lived her life for us.

When I left for college, my mom was really getting into emailing because she could keep in contact with all 3 of her kids that way. Here is an email we received from her in the fall after I left for college. I think it sums up what a genuinely sincere and kind woman she was. I sure miss her, but I know she is watching over me. Ja Cie Kocham, Matka


"Hi guys,I mean my kids. Thanks for all the prayers and for always being there for me. I love you guys so much. Prayers are answered, we all know that. Not everyone has kids like I do. You're one of a kind. You're always in my prayers and I always pray that you have a good life and a healthy one. Well enough because I can't see through my tears. Have a good day at work and at school for Kristin. Love you and thanks for being there for me. Mom"