A Life Lived

Hi everyone,

Sadly, my mom passed away. I’d like to dedicate today’s entry to her. She was a very dedicated teacher—and my English teacher. She gave me a love of writing and of literature. She was a born storyteller but never put pen to paper herself, even though I frequently urged her to. I think her inner critic was too strong. She did write some beautiful poems when her brother and parents passed away that she rarely shared. She loved history and made it come alive, so in English class, when we studied Shakespeare or an Irish playwright, we’d learn the history and culture of that time. I think that’s what led to my love of world-building, because I learned that there was so much more going on than just the words on the page—and that at a glance, we see only the tip of the iceberg.

I loved spending time with her. We did art classes, pottery classes, even a class on the Enneagram and on dreams. Now I have my daughter to do classes with, but I’ll miss her. She was fun, and kindness, and encouragement, and wisdom. She loved gardening. I don’t, but I appreciated the beauty she created. She loved watching detective shows and Star Trek and reality shows about doing up houses or cleaning them. She was the life and soul of a party and everyone’s friend. She was an amazing teacher who made indelible marks on her students. She was a great mother. And a great person.

I will miss her every day.

Love you, Mammy.

Joanne.