Thank you, Mom

Thank you, Mom.

Thank you for giving me a lifetime of love; for teaching me to be independent; for sharing your sense of humour; for teaching me right from wrong. And for loving me — no matter what I did.

Thank you for teaching me to never discount anyone, regardless of their race or gender. Thank you giving me an unwavering foundation that included respect for everyone, including myself.

Thank you for allowing me to experience and enjoy even things that terrified you. I will never forget when my Brownie Troop was scheduled to go horseback riding. You were terrified of horses and I had been sick and running a fever. But you knew how much I was looking forward to that day and you took me anyway. We were only supposed to ride slowly around that arena. Even though it was the first time I had been on a horse, I had mine in a canter in no time flat. You were terrified for me, but I loved it. I now serve on the Virginia Horse Council’s Board of Directors. Thank you, Mom.

Even though you were terrified of dogs, no matter how small; thank you for letting me pet the dogs in the neighborhood. I raised and trained hundred pound Rhodesian Ridgebacks for years as an adult. I had multiple U.S. and Canadian Champions and rose to the ranks of Top Ten Owner Handler Nationwide in the Breed. I still own them today. Thank you, Mom.

You allowed me to do this even though I was allergic to animals, including dogs and horses. I am still allergic; I respect my limitations, but I don’t let them stop me. You taught me that, too. Thank you, Mom.

Thank you, Mom, for caring enough and knowing when to intervene against the societal influences that would have resulted in a very different outcome to my life. You were there to make a positive difference. Good gosh; what I put you through as a child growing up in New Orleans! That alone should have earned you entry to the Kingdom of Heaven!!

For trusting me enough to give me the space I needed while still being there to be the safety net I needed; thank you, Mom.

For a sense of humour that I have appreciated all of my life and one that was far ahead of its time. Thank you, Mom.

For letting me believe that I could do anything I was willing to work for; thank you, Mom. I’ve been self-employed since I was 23.

Thank you, Mom, for your almost 87 years of love and laughter. My heart is broken at the thought of all the tomorrows I will face without your words of wisdom. It is so easy to forget this life is only temporary, but life in God’s Kingdom is eternal. The pain is so great it is hard to remember that it is only, “Goodbye for now” and not forever. While I grieve selfishly for my loss, I am trying hard to remember and rejoice for you, because I know your Spirit walks with God anew.

Your love will be in my heart forever. Thank you, Mom.

Ruth Himel, a truly amazing Mother and Grand-mother, was born in July of 1923. She left this earth, peacefully, in her sleep in July of 2010. She will be missed by all who knew her. Her love will live in our hearts forever.

I Love You, Mom.

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