My mother was a remarkable woman and I dedicate this post to her life and legacy:
After my birth, she put her career as a school teacher in Germany on hold so she could spend ample time with me. It wasn't until later in my childhood that my mother went back to work after a multi-year hiatus.
As a school teacher, she was loved by her students and I understand she was a little bit of a push-over. Just too nice a person to ever be all that mad at students for too long a time. Always trying to cut students a break and giving them the favor of doubt where possible.
She was very engaged in our golf lives (I played golf from early childhood on and went on to play in Europe semi-professionally -- sponsored but unpaid amateur -- and later in NCAA Div II). She volunteered in our Golf Club to advocate for kids' extracurricular development. Later, she volunteered for the State of Rheinland Pfalz's golf association where she influenced the lives of hundreds and arguable thousands of kids. She even had influence at the national level.
She was devoted to availing my brother and myself whatever necessary for us to pursue our golfing passion (and in my brother's case a career in golf). When we kids needed to be driven to practice multiple times a week, she would do so sometimes at great personal sacrifice.
She always tried to help those around her, and she had a lifetime track record of volunteering to help kids, as well as a career with a track record of helping kids become productive members of society.
When my mother retired a mere 11 months ago in January of 2007 after decades as a school teacher and with us kids out of the house, all of us thought that this would be her time to enjoy life and to be able to focus on herself just a little bit more.
Less than 3 months later, she was diagnosed with lung cancer and her world came tumbling down. Instead of enjoying retirement, she was now facing her most formidable enemy ever.
Despite a short period of improvement in her health, she succumbed to this terrible disease just a short while ago. I am glad I can say that I got to spend some quality time with her just a few weeks ago when I flew her to Austin, so we could all go on a family vacation in Hawaii. While in Hawaii, her health deteriorated quickly though, and it was clear to me that she wouldn't be able to hang on much longer. She got to see my daughter one last time, which I believe was what motivated her most as the end neared.
Life isn't always fair, and in her case, it's downright ridiculously unfair. I regret to say that my relationship with my mother wasn't as close as it arguably could have been, but I plan on making sure that I will avoid the mistakes my mother made and pass on her virtues to my daughter and future children of ours.
She will be sorely missed by all members of our family, but her spirit will be with us forever. May her soul rest in peace.
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