Dear Nina

A couple of months ago, my brother-in-law's mother, Nina, passed away.  I got the horrifying phone call late one evening.  They said she was dead.  They said it was a massive heart attack. They said she didn't suffer.  I was shocked, numb to the bone.  She was way too young.  And although I didn't have the privilege of knowing her for long, I miss her.  We had a simple, special bond; we are moms.  

Nina touched so many lives as a nurse, educator, and mentor at Rochester General Hospital. Today, on her birthday, the ViaHealth community gathered for a memorial service in her honor.   Although I couldn't be present to celebrate her life, I chose to remember Nina in a way that honored who she was, her legacy as a loving, generous, whole-lotta-fun MOM.  

In a nutshell, Nina was the kind of mom who made snow angels in the winter and snuggled inside cardboard forts on rainy afternoons.  She was there, for everything.  So, on this brilliant April morning, with record-breaking temperatures, I knew exactly how to celebrate Nina's life . . .at the park. 

Dear Nina, 

On this warm, gorgeous April morning, Liza and I went to the park.  We wanted to remember you.  That's what you would have done.  I pushed Liza on the swings.  She flew high, a smile splayed across her face as if to say, "More, Mommy!" We giggled and reached for the sun.  We crawled through tunnels, and scooted our little tushies down the slide.  We strolled around the lake and quacked at the ducks, our voices leaping when they waddled closer.  We lingered and laughed.  We smiled.  We hugged.  We laughed some more.  We wanted to remember you. That's what you would have done.  

They say moms are angels in disguise.  But you, Nina, are an angel with wings.  

Until we meet again, I'll miss you.

Love, 

MJ