She Would Have...

Mom would have been 82 today.

Mom, circa 1951

And 8 years ago, she would have:

• Not looked a day over 62.  Seriously.
• Risen early and headed out to the Sports Complex for a morning walk and Aquafit.
• Met her "Domino ladies" for coffee at Tim Horton's and shared stories of her grandchildren's and children's accomplishments.
• Called me before I even got a chance to call her to wish her a Happy Birthday, because she called, every day, without fail.
• Dragged my dad out of the house and would have popped in with homemade spaghetti sauce or a bone for Simon.
• Worked on the hand-crocheted bedspread for Aili, because she had completed one for every grandchild before.
• Started planning our next family vacation, because we all had so much fun the year before in Mexico.
• Come to each and every one of Connor's local swim meets, because her grandkids meant the world to her.
• Dropped everything to spend the day with one of the kids if they had to stay home from school, so that we would not have had to miss work.
• Made city chicken, despite the effort and cost, because it was Gary's favourite.
• Proudly shown everyone she knows my published articles and layouts.
• Made sure that our entire family still met on Sunday afternoons for a family dinner at their house.  Without fail.
• Booked a trip to Italy, without even asking my dad, because she knew how important it was to make sure you remember from where you came.
• Made handmade pizzelles because they are Connor's favourites.
• Taught my kids Italian, because your heritage is what shapes you into who you are.
• Made sure that we were going to church every Sunday.
• Never forgotten one birthday or anniversary.
• Been the first one at the hospital when Gary had his heart attack.  Not only for support but out of concern for her "son".

She would have... if she had beaten cancer.

Happy Birthday, Mom - I can't believe it's been eight years.  I miss you today more than ever.