Memory
My Mother passed away quietly last July. When I returned from her graveside services, I wrote and published the below sentiment as a way to deal with my pain. I make no apologizes now when I share this with you, and dedicate this campaign to my Mother and my Father. Together again after 28 years. And I’m sure, still baffled by their son and my political interests and drive to make a difference. I love you both…
In Memoriam Carolyn Sue Denney 12/30/1936 – 07/05/2009
It felt strange today… For the first time in many years, I did not have a reason or a need to drive to Riverside. For over ten years, I have made this drive almost every Sunday. Not out of some sense of obligation or family duty, but because I wanted to spend time with a very special woman… My Mother…
One week ago today, my Mother told one of her caregivers she was going to sleep, and she wasn’t going to wake up. Three hours later, her principle caregiver, Maria, arrived to find she had apparently done just that. The paramedics did what they could, but the fire captain told me over the phone it didn’t look good. Soon after, well before I could reach her side, the hospital declared the obvious, she had passed away in her sleep, quietly.
She was 72, but had suffered from multiple sclerosis for nearly 25 years. Her pain was over. I will deal with mine.
She was the source of endless love and support. My greatest critic, but always with the intent to make me better. She taught me compassion and a strength that can only come from within. She helped me to achieve what I could, but also to accept that which I could not change. She taught me that family was second only to our country. She was an ear I could always bend, even if she did have an uncanny ability to see right to the point which was escaping me. In many ways, she was my best friend. Even though my political goals and ambitions mystified her, she still supported me and believed in me.
Last weekend, I saw her on Saturday instead. I actually got to her home early and took her for a drive to see fireworks. She became tired and we didn’t stay for the show, but it was a good day and one I will cherish for the rest of my life.
She often told people we grew up together… she was after all barely 17 when she gave me life. She never wanted children, but was the best mother I could have asked for.
We laid her to rest next to my Father on Friday. Their anniversary was the next day. Somehow I find comfort in this. I have come to the conclusion my Mother simply decided 28 years apart was enough, (my Father died in 1981, he was 46). She was going to celebrate THIS anniversary in my Father’s arms. And within the perfection which can only be found in Heaven, where M/S and cancer doesn’t exist, they will celebrate their 55th anniversary dancing.
I have often joked with friends and groups that forget being elected to the Assembly or even President. That I could be elected Emperor of the World… but my Mother would expect me at her home on most Sundays and always on the first Sunday of the month to do her bills… no interns or assistants allowed… Today I had no place to go…
I will love you always Mom… You were… and are… my best girl…
