“Each person’s life touches so many other lives. When she isn’t around, she leaves an awful hole, doesn’t she?” These are the adapted famous words from my favorite movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. It has become even more special as I reflect on Mom’s life, the quintessential mother to the many.
Mom was the first scientist I ever saw in action, inspiring my love for chemistry. While others learned “saponification” in chemistry textbooks, I learned it firsthand at home making soap. Making “Alaska” was an easy one, and my boys would later be shocked to see their dad make yoghurt in California—yet another lesson from Grandma.
Yes, there were tears and laughter through the years, but through it all Mom marched on, believing in the promise of a brighter tomorrow. The last nine years were even more special. Mom and Dad were in and out of the United States. Mom’s best moments were seeing her grandchildren grow. In fact, the running joke was that if you wanted Mami to smile, then shove the face of a grandchild in front of her.
True to form, I was always there to needle Mami. Our last family trip was to Disney World, and I can still hear Mom chastising me for tricking her into taking the Harry Potter ride. Mami’s heart almost flew out of her chest. Mami loved apple picking, and the many trips to Niagara Falls and Letchworth Park were special.
Oh, how time flies. In Mom’s passing, I lost the one person who understood me completely. Your smile and wisdom will echo in my heart forever until we meet again.