Late in the evening of October 18, 2022 our mother passed away. She was the last in a family of 7 children to leave us.My Mom, or as my dad called her, Moo, is finally with her beloved husband Anthony (Chic). Chic & Moo would have celebrated 70 years of marriage this year. Speaking as the middle son of Anthony and Arlene, I so appreciate the the efforts they both made raising me (and the rest of us).But today, however, I think of the the love our mother afforded us for so many years of our lives. When we were toddlers, I remember the books she would read us at bedtime and the lullabies she would sing.We got older and she insisted we do our daily chores before there was any play time with the neighbor kids. She insisted that we do our homework before we did our chores. She cooked when she got home from her job at Alcoa and then insisted we all sit down for dinner as a family at 6:00 pm when Dad got home. We helped with the dishes and were finally set free to run loose till dark with our friends.....My Mother insisted we had a great childhood.And we loved growing up in the environment they provided us.We all disappointed both Mom and Dad through the years for some reason or another, but in the end there was always a hug, forgiveness and protection. Losing her partner in life was devastating to Mom. She truly loved Anthony and for them to finally embrace with God as their witness, I feel the peace that they both enjoy now.The wait to be with him has been long and arduous for her. The 11 years she spent without him demonstrated her strength. Mom was very independent and proved it every day she lived alone. In spite of our efforts to move her into a more secure environment with care, she insisted on her independence. In the end, she lived the life she wanted to. With a loving help from some friends and family, she chose to cook, clean, do her laundry and read her books. Her life in the end was exactly what she wanted. I do not speak for myself when I thank all of you for being part of the family. Knowing Arlene, the joy we have experienced and the bumps in the road have made our lives together that much more important.Love here on earth is not always expressed as it should. Thank you all for being part of this.
