As we take my wife to her resting place today, no tears. That was her mantra over the past few weeks. She took that from her father, as it was what he said as he passed away almost nine years ago. Life is a gift; be grateful for the gifts you receive and do not lament the ones you do not. It's what we teach our kids at Christmas.
She was a class mother, a religion teacher, a Cub Scout Den Mother, a special ed classroom assistant. She was one half of what I believe to have been one of the most successful Presidencies of the Iona Preparatory School Mother's Auxiliary. She was the Christmas Cookie Queen. She was a loving mom. And a loving wife.
But perhaps her most precious gift was her advice. She was the most moral person I know. She would tell you the answer to your question, easy or difficult, no sugar coating, no worrying about losing your friendship with her honesty. In this crazy world of ours, her decision making process was simple:
Was it hurtful?
Was it helpful?
Was it "right"?
From advice for medical procedures to understanding peoples' actions, we all looked to Donna for that guidance. And, sometimes, her best advice was not that which we sought, but that which she gave us when we didn't ask.
Life is a gift to each of us.
Life is a gift to give to others.
Be grateful for the gifts you get, which in this case are the memories of Donna.
Do not lament the gifts we will not receive.
No tears.
