April 14th, 15th, and 16th was the Khmer New Year, a huge celebration in Cambodia where everyone, literally everyone, goes home from their busy lives in the city, or at school, or wherever they are, to their families, to celebrate the new year. It's a really big deal, schools get off for 2-3 weeks, and it's basically like Christmas in Cambodia.
Cambodia, or the Kingdom of Wonder, as they call it, really is a wonderful place, which, makes it all the more sad that my mother never had the chance to experience it with me.
On March 25th, 2014, Barbara Ann Baer: teacher, scrapbooker, cardmaker, tigger lover, traveler, photographer, singer, mentor, and my mother, passed away at age 59. She was an amazing mother, caring, kind, loving, and always there for me, whether I needed it or not. What else can I possibly say? She was my mother, is my mother, and will always be my mother.
I did, though, get the chance to return home to America to attend the funeral, thanks to Peace Corps. I got to see my dad, brother and sister-in-law, and my aunts, uncles, and cousins who came all the way from California, and of course Athena, too. 60 hours on a plane there and back was totally worth it.
Anyway, just wanted to say thanks, mom, for being you. Love you.
That was so sweet! I am so sorry that your mom isn't here to experience your journey with you, but I am sure she is so proud of you and the wonderful things you're doing. This tribute brought tears to my eyes, and I only hope your mom knew how lucky she was to have you as a daughter.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kelley. This was certainly difficult to write, tear-wise, but I wanted to give her this.
DeleteThat definitely made me tear up. It's always hard losing a parent especially a mother. When my mom passed away it was one of the hardest points in my life. It will never be okay but I do promise that it will get better. It looks like you have a lot of amazing memories with your mom and I know that she is looking down on you and watching out for you. I'm also sure that she is very proud of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jonathan. I hope your brother is doing well.
DeleteWhen I hear a bird chirp, when I think of something silly, when I plant a strawberry patch, I think of here. Still very tearful days. I have not forgotten your mom, my sis. We will keep her legend alive with you. Love you, Aunt Cheri
ReplyDeleteAww Emily - what a nice tribute - so sweet. I'm finding that it's hard to think and talk about it now. I hope you are doing well and that you're back to sweating, instead of shivering. Miss you XOXOX
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