[ Home ] [ Up ] [ KATHKWILTS' Quilts ] [ KATHKWILTS' Drawings ] [ Butterscotch ] [ Toffee ] [ In Memory of Barbara Horner, 1931-1997 ]

If I had to sum up my Mother's life in two words, the two words that would immediately jump to mind are Short and Courageous.

My memories of my Mother are that she was a wonderful person -- always there when I needed her, always loving, always giving.... However, I was also aware of the fact that she was not always a very happy person.

After spending a good part of her life in pursuit of unhappiness and often finding it in a bottle, it takes a courageous woman to realize and admit to being an alcoholic. But, in my Mother's final years, she embraced life as never before and, in so doing, experienced the happiest time of her life. It touched us all to see her (and my Father) enjoying life again. She was able, in recent years, to appreciate a sunset to its fullest -- to enjoy the flight of a butterfly -- to see the world around her and love it. She embraced her new life with gusto and style, amassing many friends and influencing many people. For the first time in my memory, she was truly happy and at peace.

She also served as an inspiration to many in recent years. She helped many of those she met that were in need. She helped my husband see that his drinking was about to ruin his life and inspired him to quit thru example. She inspired my Father to become again the loving man that he is and display an uncommon devotion that was truly touching to see. She became a true partner and, in so doing, inspired him to do the same.

It is supreme irony that she was struck down so early in her new life by cancer. But, in so doing, she inspired me to take aggressive measures to save my own life when similarly diagnosed recently. If there is one thing that I know would make my Mother happy at this moment, it would be that her death has served a higher purpose. Her death was met with true courage and a serenity that is very rarely seen. Even in this, she served as an inspiration to others.

I will always remember the happy times... the Christmases.... the trips we took.... the fun we often had. But, more than that, I will always remember her courage.

Bon Voyage, Mom...

Are you powerless against alcohol?

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