Another day, another day of soccer. Went to the first match today. The boys played amazing. I'm not sure what makes them tick. Hard to tell with 16 year old boys. They think they are invincible, ie: don't need extra sleep, healthy foods? Who knows! But boy, when they play as a team, talk and have they "s*** together, they look amazing. Unfortunately they couldn't pull off the win. I had to leave the stands when it was tied at 1-1. My heart just can't take it. Good time to people watch!!! By the looks of his posting in Facebook this evening, our little chat must have had some bearing last night. I'm impressed that he was paying attention.
It's official, my holidays are over. Tomorrow is Monday, and people are going to start wanting meals and clean laundry again!
I did manage to get my Costco shopping in this afternoon. Of course I forgot the one thing I actually went for - hearing aide batteries - not for me, but for Mom. Guess I'll be making a second run tomorrow. I also need to take a shirt back to Le Chateau. Actually the son needs to do the return. We'll see if it actually happens.
Didn't get my nap in today (Caroline) as I was certain I was doing the soccer watching this evening as well. Turns out Bill wanted to go, so I was able to clean up, put groceries away, and read a little.
Tonight will be an early night. The son and I have to start getting on a routine. We both have been abusing the late night and sleep in routine around here. Bill is the only one that has stayed on track in that regards.
Entry #3: This one is not a poem, but the actual eulogy I gave at Mom Wee's funeral. I think of her every day, and miss her twice as much!
TRIBUTE
Alice Wee
Hang Sim Wong was born in 1937, in Canton China
At the age of 16, Alice and her mother moved to Hong Kong. It was here that she attended and graduated High School. After graduating, Alice attended college in the evenings. She taught school (grades one and two) during the day to pay for her college education.
In 1959 Alice met Paul Wee. Paul and Alice courted and then married March 1, 1960. By November 1960 , the couple was ready to leave their homeland and move to Canada to begin their life together. Paul took the long way, by ship and train. Alice flew to Montreal and arrived November 29th. Two days later, December 1st their first child was born. William. The following year 1961, they were blessed with a baby girl, Anne. Then a few years later, in June of 1966, another son was born into the family, Ben.
In 1975 Paul and Alice moved their family to Calgary and Calgary has been their home ever since.
I learned all those facts from Mom; from talking with her asking questions and looking at pictures. But I’d like share some more personal moments with you.
Mom is a very important lady in my life. She is my mother-in-law, and up until 3 odd months ago, I was known as her favorite daughter-in-law. (And that had nothing to do with the fact I was the only daughter-in-law at the time) How did I know this, because every time we got together, I would ask “Mom am I your favorite daughter-in-law, and every time she would answer yes, yes, yes In August Mom was given the gift of another daughter-in-law and I was proud to had over the title of favorite to Karen. I am now known as the old(er) daughter-in-law. Karen we should be grateful that son-in-laws have their own category; otherwise Brian would probably be ahead of both of us!!!!
I first met Mom - some 30 years ago. From the very beginning, she made me feel welcome and at home. I was invited to all the family functions as Bill’s girlfriend and one day wife. From day 1, Mom accepted me for who I was, and I’ve learned that is how she treated everyone. Our relationship was based on honesty – and on mom’s part, that was sometimes blunt honesty. I could ask Mom any question and I know she’d share her knowledge with me. From cooking skills (which were hard to duplicate with no recipe) to family history, to my ultimate favorite, Mah Jongg!. I practiced learning my numbers so I could at least sit at the table and appear as a contender.
Mom never put her own needs before those of others. This was just one of the reasons she had such an abundance of great friendships. Mom and Dad made a trip to China a few years back. The main reason for their visit was so mom could attend her 50th school reunion. Keeping in touch with friends was important to her. In addition to her family many of Mom’s friends were her strength and support during her courageous battle.
Up until her illness, most of the family dinners were held in their dining room or kitchen with tables put together, chairs squished around the table and food overflowing. If any of the grand kids had a favorite dish they wanted, well Grandma made sure that it was on the table. Sometimes those dinners included at least 14 people, (or more if friends or friends of friends, or friends of friends, of friends were in town.
And Mom was always the last to sit down. I think the only time we every argued, was when it was time to clean up. Mom would send everyone into the living room to visit and she’d clean up from the meal. We’d quickly grab a dish cloth or towel before she could object. And even then she would be helping right along with us in the kitchen.
Mom’s pride and joy is her family. She was so proud of her children; Bill, Anne and Ben. They exceeded over and above anything she could have wished for them. And Dad or Daddy as she often referred to him. They are a team…..Mom was always taking care of Dad’s best interests. But Dad was given the ultimate husband roll during Mom’s illness. He exemplified the true meaning of love during sickness and in health. And we know Mom was well taken care of, because she had Dad.
Out of all of rolls in her life, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, friend, Aunt, teacher, co-worker, wife, mother, mother-in-law Alice’s proudest roll was that of grandma, or Paa Paa. She loves her grandchildren. All four of them Ashley, Patrick, Jane and Susan, have been blessed to have her in their lives. She loves them unconditionally, accepted their busy schedules and always made sure if they missed a family function, extra food was sent home. She taught them many traditions and cultural necessities; From using chop sticks, the meanings of lucky foods, writing their names in Chinese, explaining why they had so many aunties and uncles, and in keeping with tradition teaching them Mah Jong (so I’d have someone to play with and the grown-ups wouldn’t get stuck with me at their table. )
I’m sure many of us in this room have similar stories about Alice. She opened her heart to all and touched us each in a different way. She is going to be missed, but never forgotten.
I’d like to read a message that I found. The author is unknown, but I think we can all find great comfort in it.
She is Gone You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she's gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Love you Mom!!!!!
BODY: Did not wear the pedometer again today. Did the dress up thing again. I think I am starting to make people wonder. I'm usually the one in the sweatpants and sweatshirts. But I did sip on some nice acai tea at the soccer game and avoided that nasty diet pepsi (sill love it though)
MIND: Louise Hay "Love will always disolve the pain." How appropriate for today's affirmation. It some how goes with my missing Mom.
Early Good night
Stacey
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