A Love Note to my Mother (submitted by Terry Young)

There are so many things I love and miss about my mother.  She was the strongest woman I know.  She beat ovarian and breast cancer and, at 89 years old, wanted to try chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.  And, she was making progress until she developed congestive heart failure. Throughout her life, she never complained, even if she was in pain. And she had an infectious laugh – that’s what people tell me they remember about her. We did everything and went everywhere together, mom was my best friend!

In her 70s and 80s, we’d go out dancing and she’d be out there doing the Electric Slide!  After I married my husband, John, we became a trio and when her sister, Bev, moved to Colorado, we referred to them as our daisies (from the movie Driving Miss Daisy).  We shared many road trips with them. The sweetest and most generous thing my mother ever did was to tell John to buy a “new” Suburban for all the driving he did for her.  We lovingly call our new Suburban “Lola”, for Lois LaMont, and she travels with us everywhere. We love you, mom!!!

m. November 2005

Bob was such a positive person, and his favorite word was “magnificent.” He so loved his family, his home, and the Colorado mountains. His favorite activity at the end of his life was taking our therapy dog “Spikey” to the hospital to visit patients. Bob never complained about his illness, was always gracious, and grateful to all people and especially the hospice caregivers. Bob, you are forever missed.

m. August 2011

m. 2005

Robert was one of the original founders of the Boulder Parkinson Support Group, started in the early 1990’s. He believed that there is strength in community no matter how small the group. He never wished to be defined by his illness and tried everything to keep healthy and engaged. He was the third person in Colorado to undergo fetal cell transplant in 1990 at the University of Colorado as a way to arrest the advance of his disease. He loved exercise and biked every day. He was the model of courage for his two sons and for all who knew him. He died on October 22, 2012 at home surrounded by his family.

Donna was special for the love, caring, and kindness she gave to family and friends over her lifetime. Her beauty was deep and was evident to all. She was a generous giver of her time and talents as a person, friend, teacher, and employee. She was a wonderful mother and aunt to her adopted son, Rob, her nieces and nephews, and her God-children. Her love, kindness and values are reflected in their lives today.

Donna’s family upbringing, loving personality, and giving spirit lives on in her beautiful sister Betty today. Betty is a beautiful reflection and reminder of her soul and spirit.

Lastly, Donna’s love still lives on in my heart today and always will.  She was and still is, God’s gift and blessing to me. There are no words to describe our love. She lives on in my heart and each butterfly  reminds me of her freed spirit and continued presence.

m. March 2012

m. March 2005

Daughter of an Olympic rowing coach and mother of an Olympic rower. Lifelong performing arts aficionado, ardent feminist, committed philanthropist, anti-war and social-justice activist, and advocate for reproductive freedom and educational opportunity for all. In legacy and with love.