So, I believe strongly in human connections and the strength we draw from them. And as consistently as Wally wakes me up for the morning business, and with a laser like focus that I have in maintaining my stride while keeping up with him, and as strong as the will of a 10 year old’s resistance to follow marching orders, and as contrarian as her brother can be, my mother in law was always there. When I say always there, I mean it literally. No figures of speech can explain the impact that June aka Mimi aka my fierce, stubborn, loyal and loving, irreplaceable mother-in-law had on my life. So while we mourn her passing, I also know that the strength that she displayed must have been given to her grandchildren in extraordinary amounts. That makes me thankful. Her presence, believe me it was unwavering and consistent and ALWAYS THERE, provided strength for our family whenever it was needed. And believe me when I tell you, it has been needed much over the last 20 years. When I consider the times our family faced its greatest adversities, I realize that her presence was meaningful, powerful, and perfectly placed at the right time and the right place, whenever we needed it. Just as we are all given gifts to share with others, and share them at the exact moment we are meant to share them, I know that Mimi’s presence will always be the gift that gives us strength when we need it most.

I turn to my connections for power and grace when I need it most. When I seek fortification to find the positive perspective I need to accept the challenges of life and be able to see the good in all things, I will know that Mimi is always there.

Those moments where your gears have been grinded down to dust, and your patience has left the building screeching like a teenager pulled away from a screen, and your bald head is searing from the dog’s eager claw scratching the freshly opened wound from blind shaving, and the overwhelming frustration filling your entire body with rage when the remote control falls off your comfy chair breaks apart and the batteries cannot be found to change the channel to the Yankees playoff game…those small moments- I will know that Mimi is there.

And so I will smile. And then I will remember that same intensity of feeling that I’d feel when we disagreed- and I will remember …each and every time…that she was merely sharing her gift, her strength.

Thank you Mimi for teaching me acceptance and strength. Thank you for the life lessons. Thanks, really, thanks for coming.