…and the most wonderful mother and friend.
November 1st was the date we selected for my mother’s gathering of remembrance, held in my hometown of Dover, Ohio. Family and dearest friends joined together to pay tribute to one of the finest and most amazing women we’ve had the privilege of knowing. It was a raw, gray day but we were kept warm by our memories of Henrietta as we gathered before the fireplace in the beautiful and comfortable atrium at the Geib Funeral Center. Anne Geib and her staff were warm and welcoming and took care of every detail to perfection.
It was a beautiful celebration of a most beautiful lady. And although I continue to miss her sweet essence, the gathering was an important part of the ongoing healing process.
I’ve included below two small excerpts from my personal tribute to Mom. The first passage is a poem by an unknown author that captures quite well how we feel about losing Henrietta, and the second is a list of the rules by which she lived her life.
The tied recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand,
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains…
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.
Henrietta’s Simple Rules for a Good and Happy Life
Be Generous
Be Grateful
Be Honest
Be a True Friend
Help Others
Don’t Judge
Forgive
Work Hard
Don’t Quit
Always Present Your Best Self
Laugh Joyfully
Love Deeply
And lastly…a girl can never have too many pairs of shoes.
Thanks for letting me be a part of this tribute to my wonderful friend whom I thought
was family. I feel so lucky to have known this precious person. She will not be forgotten. Love Love.
You are family, Greta. She felt that way and so do I. Always and forever.
It was a beautiful service, Loretta. Your Mother touched so many lives – including mine.
She truly was my second Mom. And as I mentioned in my tribute Saturday, she was always so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. You were her best friend, confidant, companion, advisor, travel agent and above all – the best daughter a mother could ever ask for.
And I’m touched by your words, Deb. Thank you for your beautiful and heartfelt tribute. It’s appropriate that this website was dedicated to her…she was a constant inspiration.
I am grateful for my friendship with you, Loretta, and being back door neighbors with you and your mom! It was wonderful to hear and share our memories of your mom at the service!
And what great memories we have of her and of our friendship. I always loved it when you appeared at the back door. Too bad we live so far away now…but hearing your voice is second best to seeing your face. Hugs!
Loretta, I know how much you loved your mother and you have such great memories of her. I love the photo with the beautiful hats. You are a great women Loretta…your mom raised you well. I know your mom was so proud of you as you were of her. Love always, Pat
Today I’ve been sorting through some of her treasures so it’s been a bittersweet day. Loved opening up to see your comment. Thanks for your sweet words and your friendship. Love and hugs back to you!
You honored your mom last Saturday with such deep love and respect, just as you did every day of your life. Thanks to both you and Geoff especially, for sharing your beautiful sentiments with all of us. It was indeed an inspiration and a wonderful reminder of how to live a very loving life. Love and very large hugs to the three of you from Barbie and Fred
And thank you for sharing your memories of Mom…and for opening up “home base” to the Dover Divas during our reunion weekend. Looking forward to the next get-together…maybe in your second home base? Hugs!
Loretta, sounds like your tribute ceremony for your mom was a moving heartfelt celebration of her life. Loved the poem and the echoes of love it evoked.
Thank you so much, Bonnie. I will be especially lonely for her as we head into the holidays.
Henrietta’s rules are golden. This is a beautiful tribute to and reflection of your mother, Loretta.
They are good rules…she was an inspiration. Thank you Beverly!
A very nice tribute to your Mom. She was such a warm, kind woman and I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing her for so many years. She will live on in the many happy memories that you shared together.
She was awfully fond of you, Sarah. I’m moved by your sweet sentiments.
As Christmas is fast approaching…I am reminded of Henrietta today as I pack my bag to head to Dover to for quick trip. I am thinking of her warm smile, her friendly voice saying “Hi Arnie”, always a motherly hug as I would stop by hoping to get a quick visit in…not sure if she would be home or not. She WAS a busy gal…!!! Touching lives everyday and where ever she went. I miss her…but I know this Christmas will be difficult for my dearest Loretta. I hope friends & family that LOVE you and LOVE your mom help to bring some comfort to that whole in your heart that only a mother holds for all of us. To you today and days to come…please know I love you! Arnie
How lovely, Arnie. Thank you for your sweet and uplifting words at this time when I am missing her so much. Wishing I was making the trip to Dover this year. Please give your mom a hug for me. I know you’re grateful for every moment. Love you too!
The tribute to your mother was lovely & sentiments from her friends & neighbors show how important she was to many & how large an impression that wonderful lady, with her humane & important rules, left behind.
You remind us so much of her in all you do!!!
It’s lovely to be compared in any way to my mom…what a compliment. Thank you Kathy.