Setting: A church,
with a music stand representing the pulpit.
Shawn:
My Mom was important to many people for many reasons.
For her family, she was a loving mother and wife, a caring
sister and daughter, and a supportive aunt and cousin. Her smile brought happiness
to the whole room, and her passion enriched the lives of us all.
For her friends, she was an open ear, a shoulder to cry on,
and cheerleader for their successes.
For her co-workers, she was a fierce defender of their
rights, a leader, a helping hand, and a voice when nobody would listen.
But the best thing about my Mom is she didn't do any of this
to leave her mark so people would remember or adore her, or because she hoped
to be promoted to a higher position, or because she expected anyone to return
the favour.
She did it all because it was the right thing to do. She was
completely selfless because that’s the life she found to be perfectly natural.
I didn't know how lucky I was to have her in my life.
Sometimes, I thought she was too strict, too blunt, too loud, and too embarrassing.
I didn't understand her completely, and
I now wish every day
I could tell her that I was very privileged to have her as
my mother.
She stayed at home when we were young so our family could be
completely cared for, and I’ll never be able to thank her for that.
She talked for hours with her friends and family, in person,
and on the phone, rarely if ever bringing up herself, just being there for
others, and I wish I could have told her how much I admire her for that.
She worked night and day for her Union, poring over notes, writing
reports, and meeting with countless friends and foes, all because of her deep
belief that everyone should be treated fairly and should be rewarded for
excellent work.
I know it’s too late, but I want my Mom to finally hear the
words I should have said long ago: I’m proud of you, Mom. For people you've
changed for the better and the lives you have touched, I’m proud of you.
