Remembering Marion

Marion...Mom... She was something a little different to each one of us.  Sister, Mom, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to family members. To others, a valued friend or neighbor. Some of us shared her passion for gambling at the slot machines, while others enjoyed sharing family time and maybe enjoying thrift store shopping or a nice lunch out. She taught some of us the appreciation of vintage movies, such as those starring Shirley Temple or Joan Crawford. Growing up, it was fun pouring through her old movie magazines and getting a glimpse of Hollywood stars in their heyday. Although Mom could be bossy with Dad at times, theirs was an interesting dynamic. Their personalities complimented one another (most of the time, anyhow) and the root of their love is evidenced upon reading Mom's old diary, which chronicled their early beginnings as a couple in Chicago. So sweet and special was their true love story. Mom often underestimated her individual talents and potential. Because she had some trouble with attention and understanding certain subjects in school, such as math, she tended to have less confidence in certain areas and could be a little sensitive about it at times. Yet she raised a family of four successfully...at least none of us ended up in prison! She displayed some latent talents in the field of fashion design, but never brought this to fruition. Instead, she focused on her family and later her beloved grandchildren. The last  glory in her life was her great-grandson, Indigo, whom she loved with an almost obsessive devotion.  Even when she could no longer get around well and was primarily bed-ridden, she enjoyed seeing photos and videos of Indie and talking to him on the phone. Mom could be exasperating at times, quirky and impatient, yet she always had the love in her heart for her family. She loved all of us in her own way and each of us were the jewels in her crown (or Mother's ring, if you will). She had a unique personality that will never be forgotten by anyone who knew her...and she will remain in our hearts forever.