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Mother Mary
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Anonymous user Thu Apr 20, 2006 09:30:44 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments Mother’s Day is May 14 and my mom, Mary Bleizeffer, will celebrate her 92nd birthday on June 7.

She has always been a “wonder” in my life. I am the oldest of her three children, so I have spent more time with her than my sister and brother, who were born 8 and 9 years later than me and live in different states.

Mom moved here from Illinois in the mid-’70s, so we have been “together” all the time and do just about everything as a pair.

To describe her, one phrase stands out the most: “A true giver.”

It’s almost impossible to “do” something for her, but she rarely lays her head on her pillow at night without have done something for someone each and every day.

I wrote a cookbook a few years ago, including story bits about each contributor. The following is part of what I wrote about my mother, which will help you know my mom a bit better:

M is for the MILLIONS of times you’ve been there for me, in my very needy life.
O is for the OODLES of hugs and kisses to pull from when I’m not around but are always in my heart for you, Mom.
T is for the THOUGHTFULNESS you have for all people. I know of no more giving person than you.
H is for your HEARTY meals, served with love and pleasure.
E is for all the EXTRAS you do for EACH and EVERY family member, and for EVERYONE you come in contact with.
R is for the RICHNESS I have felt throughout my life in home and family, because you have made us all feel that way.

Mom has been my mentor, my idol, my guidance counselor, my teacher, my therapist, my seamstress, my caregiver, my constant companion, my everything in life. She has been my greatest inspiration.

Mom has made afghans for each of her children, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, for the “old” folks in homes as lap wraps, and hats for the homeless, so welcomed on cold winter mornings. She has covered hangers she uses to crochet colorful covers until the cows come home. Anyone who comes in contact with her has been blessed with covered hangers.

Mom has volunteered at St. Philip the Apostle Church on Saturday mornings for the past 22 years; cooked at the Guild House; served as secretary of her bowling league for 20-odd years; and comes to the rescue of friends who need alterations done on their newly purchased clothing –– you name it, she has and still is doing it daily.

She still lives on her own; still drives –– very carefully –– mostly only to church and for groceries; entertains her friends and family; and plays cards, backgammon and Scrabble.

What more could she do? You name it and she will probably be there for you.

About three or four years ago, Mom took up oil painting and did splendid work right from the first painting she attempted. It was beautiful, and each of us kids and grandkids have a memento of her artistry.

Mary Bleizeffer is an amazing woman and I feel truly blessed God chose her to be my mom.

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