My mother had a bout of very serious illness and it was believed she only had months to live. She never did like being told anything by anybody and this was no exception. With her steel will and stubbornness she regained her health and lived another lifetime in 18 years. She went on to create a future and a fourth life quite different from the one the doctors had envisioned!

With the nest empty, she decided to use her creativity and capacity to give in new ways. She enrolled in college – at age 70 – to learn photography. It was through this passion that she found another way to connect with people and her creativity, always giving of herself and her energy. She bought a sporty racecar – a Camero – at 76! And she reinvented herself every day with her colorful clothes.

And in this fourth life she was also a loving grandmother. She made sure our family gatherings were festive, full of humor, and of course photography and good food. She was so very proud of and in love with each grandchild. She realized her long talked of dream of seeing the world through her extensive travels with Dad to all seven continents. She created a life that burst through boundaries and formulas. What an example of a life joyously lived.

The poet Maya Angelou once said: “Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: 'I am with you kid. Let's go.' " That was my mother: in love with life, in love with her family, and always on the go. I can see her now, on her fifth life, arranging the angels for a perfect picture... And waiting to hold our father’s hand again.

Thanks, Mom.

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