Thursday, July 22, 2010

She Could Always Draw a Crowd

On a hot hazy afternoon, we buried my mother at Arlington National Cemetery. Her final resting place overlooks the Potomac River and the city she loved.

Almost 100 people came to her service, some traveling from Europe to celebrate her life. Wine and food were served, and while there were no formal speeches, many shared their memories and stories of her with us. I learned much and one never knows the impact one person can have on others until they are gone.

She had an enormous influence on me personally, and is the one person whose example I most wanted to follow. We didn't always agree but respected each other, no matter where we stood.

She lived life her way to the end and despite a 9 year battle with cancer, never complained once. In the end, she went with her wit, dignity and sense of humor intact.

God speed Bette Mullen. Save some wine for the rest of us!!

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
Sir Winston Churchill

6 comments:

  1. My condolences to you and your family.

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  2. My condolences as well, Kevin. I always feel weird saying "sorry for your loss" or something like that, because in so many ways they are always with us. It sounds like your mom lived well and died well, and that's a blessing we can all wish for. The best we can do is to go on and to go on as well as we can.

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  3. My condolences -- she sounds wonderful!

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  4. That's a great write up. Condolences, Kevin.

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  5. What a beautiful coda to a life well lived.

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  6. Condolences to you and your family.

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