Once I realized that there would be a funeral in our future, I started thinking about writing something about Mom. That’s as far as I got. I knew that writing it was going to be tough but I wanted to do it anyway. Below is what I read at her funeral. I’m not all that proud of it. I don’t think it’s bad but I’ve definitely written a number of other things that made me proud. That’s what gets me. I mean, I’ve written blog posts about tacos that I’m much more satisfied with and I would have loved if inspiration would have struck me when I wrote something for Mom. If given another chance, I still wouldn’t know what to write. I guess Boyz II Men were right, it really is hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
Like any good Norwegian, Lutheran, North Dakotan; Mom did not like accepting compliments. Now I’m going to do something she liked even less: bragging.
Our Mom was beautiful. Even as she lay dying Dad did not hesitate to tell her how beautiful she was and Mom did not hesitate to disagree with him.
Our Mom was smart. She grew up in a time when it was not feminine to have a big brain so she had a giant brain instead. She loved history, English and science. She devoured books as quickly as she could get her hands on them. Her actions proved to me and my sister that knowledge is exciting, something I think she shared with her nursing students too.
Our Mom was funny. Her standard response to being told she was funny was “looks aren’t everything”. During a hospital stay a friend complimented her oon her cropped hair and said she was cute and Mom replied “aren’t I though?”
Our Mom was kind. She chose a profession that involved caring for others because it fit personality so closely. She was quick to smile and eager to share a hug. I can’t think of a better way to describe how lovable she was but I’m guessing you understand because you are here.
Our Mom will be missed. She’d hate to see us grieving today. She wouldn’t want to trouble anyone. She’d be flattered that we made such a fuss and would immediately apologize for being a bother. You weren’t a bother, Mom. I’m so proud of you. And I’m so glad we had this time together.
Thanks for reading, guys.
Kudos on the Boyz II Men reference. I like what you wrote about your Mom. It seems appropriately sentimental and witty.