After providing care for her in our home for five years, my mother passed from this life on May 19, 2012. On the first anniversary of her passing, I am aware that my journey of grief has passed through many different experiences, memories, and sensations. The feelings of sadness for my loss, relief that she is no longer in pain, wonderment of what more could have been done to comfort her, and anguish that she is no longer part of my life as she once was have marked this past year. I am also aware that these dimensions of grief will continue, albeit in less frequent waves of emotion.
Today, I consider myself to be very fortunate to have had a wise, caring, and gracious mother. Dorothy was a strong and determined woman who repeatedly demonstrated forbearance. She was kind, able to put others at ease, and demonstrated remarkable skill as a conversationalist.
When another family member had become frustrated with a series of life events, she penned her philosophy of life and asked that I lay it out “on the computer to make it look nice.” Without her realizing it, she left great wisdom that has touched others who have read it. In Dorothy’s memory, I share her wisdom for living with you.
Life’s Recipe
1. Be thankful.
2. You do no have the power for controlling life’s situations.
3. You may be able to help – at times.
4. Be the best you can be.
5. Do not judge.
6. Think of all who may be hurting.
7. You are blessed. Now smile!
Dorothy Kavar
August 7, 2004
Beautiful, Lou. Thanks for sharing the soul of a wise woman. You honor your Mother every day of your life.