"Dee" Light

Today is Mother's Day. Today is the anniversary of the passing of my dear mother-in-law. Today is the wedding anniversary of Christian and Kyle.

May 12 holds a lot--reflection of a beautiful life passed, presence to the present moment of motherhood, memories of new beginnings...

As I prepared to write this morning, motherhood was going to be my theme...

the realization of my dream be a mom

{a meditation of sorts}

the acknowledgment and honoring of a dream that came true for me

However, as Don and I sat together in the living room this morning,

remembering his mom

collecting tears

I recalled what I wrote and read at her memorial service in 2012.

No writing seemed more appropriate than one in honor of beautiful Dee, Gramma Dee

a wife

a mother

a mother-in-law

a grandmother

a friend

a delight

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When I think of Dee, I can’t help but think of the word “delight”. Not only does the word “delight” describe Dee, but her name is also fittingly part of the word itself. Delight for me is now “Dee” light, and the essence of who Dee was will forever be captured in the word “Dee” light.

Rarely did I see Dee without a smile on her face. She was always overjoyed to see us and greeted us with hugs and compliments. She adored the grandchildren and lived to love on them. They were her treasures.

Recently, I saw a sentence that Dee had written down on a scrap piece of paper. She wrote, “I loved life.” She did. She lived unselfishly. Her focus was always on others. Every gift she purchased or made was picked out for a particular person for a specific reason. Her mind was always on her children, her grandchildren, friends, family and even strangers.

Dee took delight in the simplest of things from the children’s milestones, to their activities, to our trips and to our holidays. She especially loved my mom’s table arrangements and was equally astonished at its beauty every holiday. She didn’t miss a beat and never overlooked something exciting or beautiful.

Dee was always anxious to hear the kids tell of their latest adventure, eager for every tidbit of their lives. Dee soaked it all in… every bit. You couldn’t help but feel appreciated and loved by her. She paid attention to it all and took delight in every last detail. Her delight in each of us never waivered.

She leaves us the legacy of “Dee” light… Its significance to me will remain a constant, and her “Dee” light will stay in my heart forever.

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In Memory of Delores Donahue

November 27, 1933 - May 12, 2012

“Dee”light

Her warm smile greeted

Her open arms embraced

Unbridled joy

For you, for me

Her generous hands gave

Her sparkling eyes compelled

Contagious joy

In you, in me

Her open heart beckoned

Her compliments never ceased

Selfless joy

For you, for me

Joy upon joy

Acclaim overflowing

Unquenchable love

For you, for me

Undeniable “Dee” light

Undeniably Dee