Wednesday, February 5, 2014
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MY MOTHER, MY FRIEND.
Mom was born on November 1, 1930 in Cullman, Alabama. She was the daughter of Harry S. Kussmaul and Katherine Bertha Brunner Kussmaul. They moved to Ohio in 1932. Grandpa Harry was a traveling musican. Mom had a sister Margaret and Grandma knew it was time to stay in one place instead of traveling with Grandpa.
Mom went to Hughes High School in Clifton. She met Karl Sanders and they were married shortly thereafter. They had two children, Karen & Diane. I remember as a child that Mom & Dad loved to have parties. Aunt Sugar, Uncle Jake, Patsy, Donnie, Janet, Joe to mention only a few. Cousins, Vickie and Debbie would come over and we would have so much fun in the basement.
Mom Cleaned for Grandma Evelyn and Great Grandma Lela to earn money for my piano lessons. She was fabulous at making Halloween Costumes for us. She even made us a swimming pool out of concrete and an igloo out of blocks of snow.
In 1960 we moved to 4255 Clifford Rd, Deer Park, Oh. The home was vintage and Mom worked her best at decorating with little or no money to do so. She painted, cleaned and went to work at Pogues in Kenwood Mall. Betty worked with Revlon and Estee Lauder. I remember we loved that she would bring home so many wonderful cosmetic items. She loved the fragrance Youth Dew. I can still remember smelling that frangrance for years throughout her home and on her clothes.
Many nights our cousins and friends would come over and play a variety of games. Mom also loved the Ojui Board. She swore she was reincarnated from George Washington. I have no idea why. Everyone loved to come to Betty's because she let them sneak a smoke or a beer or two. We had so much fun with Betty.
Mom & Dad divorced in 1972. Soon thereafter a bright light came into her life and her first Grandchild, Thomas was born. She flew to Florida to help me. It wasn't long after that Grandchild #2 came, Kristi, Katie, Billie, Kris, Lauren, Joey,Ben, Scottie, Mellissa and Jessica. I might have those out of order so forgive me if I do.
Mom dated a few guys and I recall her saying that they just wanted to hop in bed. She didn't like that at all. Of course, I didn't want to hear that. In 1976 she met James Murray. He was a long time friend in the Corryville group. They were married in November 1977 in Las Vegas. Jim brought along to wonder children, Scott and Julie.
Mom and Jim purchased a summer home at Rocky Fork Lake. All of us enjoyed camping there. The days when we would fish on the pontoon, playing endless games till the wee hours of the morning. There was a tale around the lake that said there was a catfish, a big on over 14 lbs somehwere and Jim vowed that he would catch it. Low and behold, Mom caught Catfish Hunter on a bright sunny day one year and Jim never got over that. Mom requested that her ashes be placed in Rocky Fork Lake at the same point where she caught that darn catfish.
I remember stopping in and having coffee with Mom on my way into work. She would always have a cup and spoon waiting. We would chat and usually paint our nails during this time and she would smoke her normal 6 or 7 cigs. She always waved good bye to me from her deck.
After Jim passed, her health failed her. One thing led to another and she never fully recooperated. I struggled with decisions over and over again. Mom wasn't always the easiest person to deal with.
Don and I would take her to the Casinos occasionally. She really didn't care to do anything else. I purchased her an electronic cig for Christmas and finally convinced her to try it. That wasn't easy. On the way back from our last casino visit, she hurlled that e cigarette through the air like she was throwing out a butt. Don and I laughed for days. Mom loved her cigs
So many special thanks to my nephew Billie,moms grandson, who helped me so many times with Mom when I couldn't be there. That thanks is issued to all of you who helped me the last 7 years.
Knowing I have forgotten so many wonderful thoughts. I would like to ask each of you to think about a moment with Mom and share your thoughts with everyone else
A family once so small has grown so large. Its nice to know that all the children and grandkids have started their own families and will continue on with next generations.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Hopi Indian Prayer
Many thanks to the Family for making this day a very special one!
I love you Mom.
