My mom passed away on Monday. She would have turned 95 this year and was failing physically. I have a broth and sister and we were together saying our last goodbyes together. My mom was a feisty Irish lass. As matriarch of not only our family, but also my cousins on her side of the family. She hosted our Christmas Eve party that began in the family in the early 1900s. The last two years, we (my sister and I and our spouses) went to see her with both liquor and appetizers.

The party had to end with her generation. In families now people move all over the place. Not one of my kids lives in Connecticut anymore and none of brother’s family does either. I will miss her terribly. But I am lucky. My dad lived close to 89  years and passed when I was 62. Now at 66, my parents are gone.

I love you mom. Save me a seat at the piano bar so we can see dad sing…