A Mother’s Day tribute
I would like to make a Mother’s Day tribute to my mother, Luzzetta Pearce, who died of lung cancer in February 1982. She was 67 years old.
My mother was one of eight children. One of her brothers was killed during World War II, another drowned in the Connecticut River, two more brothers died from health problems and her only sister died of a stroke.
When I was a child, we lived with my grandmother (my mother’s mother).
In February 1957, my grandmother died at home in her sleep. I remember my grandmother’s body being taken away and my mother crying. I didn’t know what to do or say. I was 11 years old.
Two months later, her 10-year-old nephew died. He had never been diagnosed with diabetes, so he went into a coma and died.
So, my mother had her share of sorrows. My mother brought up my brother and me by herself (my brother died in 1988). Her life wasn’t easy, but she did the best she could and never complained. She had a great sense of humor and everyone liked her.
We used to see each other or talk on the phone every day. My mother and I loved each other, but we never said it very often.
My mother’s death taught me an important lesson: to say I love you to my husband, Mark, my four daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
When your children and grandchildren are little, it’s easy to say I love you, but you have to say it when they’re grown, too.
So today, say I love you to your mother, because she may not be here tomorrow! I love you, mom, and I miss you.
–Pat Austin, Moretown
