My Mom died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s; she died peacefully under the care of Hospice.

She provided a strength, both physical and mental, to her family and community. She was a dedicated mother, an inspiring grandmother and a loving great-grandmother.

In her last years, even when she couldn’t talk, she could let us know what she wanted and would not put up with anything less than her demands. She continued to be strong and aware until the end.

She had an integrity. We always knew her opinions, which she was not afraid to share with family and friends. We knew what was right or wrong. We knew the right thing to do in most any occasion because she taught us, and she showed us in her own life. We knew how to act, and she would remind us, even in our adult years, if we didn’t remember. While we may not always have agreed with her, there was never a question what she thought. She made that clear.

I read a quote recently, “He won the bigger race; he stayed true to himself.” My Mom won, too, despite all that has happened to her throughout her 91 years. She won because she remained true to herself. That is the legacy she leaves her family; that is her final testament to life – that strength and integrity. That “voice in our head” to do what is right and to be true to ourselves.
While she may be gone, that “voice” will be with me always.