From Jamie...

Jamie's words from Mom's memorial...

We are all here because my mom was here for all of us. She always put everyone first, especially her kids. There wasn't a time that she was not by my side. As you all know in my childhood, I went through lets just say a series of unfortunate events...my mom took care of me in a way no one else could...and just recently I saw someone that could, and that someone is my dad. He took care of my mom with the same love my mom had for all of us. He is amazing.


My mom was superwoman. She could whip up a meal, do your laundry, paint your living room, and feed your kids all in about an hour...not to mention your furniture was never in the same place again. I would ask her to stop but we all know she wouldn't, she couldn't. She was determined like no other...all the way till the end.

I pray that this happened to my mom to teach us how to care for and love someone the way she has cared for and loved us her entire life. I have learned what is important and what is important is sitting in this room with me today. Thank you all for being here.

A friend of mine father passed away from ALS some years ago...she did not have much to offer me except to say that although it doesn't seem possible, for her family good things did come out of their journey. I am not sure I can see all those good things right now, but I do know that for the past couple years I have built some amazing relationships with many of you in this room. God knew what he was doing and did not want me to feel alone.

I am so grateful for the time spent with my mom. She was with me during her own fight for the birth of my son Declan. What a perfect year to be born. Again, God knew what he was doing and gave him to all of us and my mom at the right time.

My mom will always be with me as I hear her all the time now and her voice is beautiful.
I leave you with a poem that a friend just shared with me:


God saw she was getting tired
A cure was not to be
So he put her arms around her and
Whispered come with me
With tear filled eyes we watched angels carry her away
Although we loved her deeply
We couldn't make her stay
A golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands put to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best

I love you Mom
Jamie Rhatigan  September 3, 2011