TWO YEARS...

Barbara Bertoch 2004
Mom with Matt, Lindsey, Katie, Maddie, Collin, James and Anthony Halloween 2001
Mom, Dad, Dave, Linsdey, Matt and Katie Feb 1999
Mom and Dad 2000

It is two years ago this week that my sweet mom passed away. Words cannot describe how much I miss her. There really isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her. I always wonder what she is doing in the spirit world and think about how happy she must be there!
Since she has been gone I have had a very strong desire to "tell the world" how great she was! I truly think that I had the privelege of having the best mother in the world. My mom was the best woman I have ever known. She was simply amazing.
She never looked for praise from the world. She was the most down to earth, loving, sweet, kind and patient person ever.
She was such an awesome homemaker! Our house was the most spotless place on earth! We seriously could have eaten off the floors! She was a great cook too! We always had homemade bread and delicious meals! She loved to read, I remember her setting a goal to read all of the classics, and I think she did it! She loved cross word puzzles, loved flowers and gardening. She loved music, and played the piano well. She LOVED to clean! Her Dad said she was born with a dustcloth in her hand! :)
She was very empathetic to anyone who was struggling and always sent notes of encouragement. She had a very tender heart to those who were less fortunate. She was prayerful and had great respect for her parents and siblings.
I miss her wise counsel! I miss her words of encouragement and comfort. When I am struggling with something I long to be able to call her and ask for her advise. She always knew the best way to help me.
She sacrificed so much of herself for me and for our whole family. She was so selfless and so Christlike. I really sincerely hope that I can be like her someday. She was so subtle in her teaching, she did not force anything on me. She just showed by her quiet example the way that we should live. She was always complimentary and always had a listening ear. As a teenager, I was so fortunate to have a relationship with her in which I could always tell her anything and everything. She laughed at me when I was being silly and loved me when I was being lame!
She did not complain about the trials she was called to bear and was so patient and so faithful til the end. In her final days, even when she was not totally coherent she would say over and over "Father, I thank thee". I was amazed that she could feel thankful even when she was suffering.
A few days before she died when she was in the hospital my brother said to her, "Mom, what are you thinking?" and she said, "I think I am so lucky!"
That is the kind of person she was. Truly humble.
It was so wonderful to watch she and my Dad in the last 5-6 years before she died. My Dad was such a sweet and loving caretaker for her and their relationship blossomed like it never had. The tenderness between them was profoundly touching.
I am so very grateful to call her mother. I cannot wait for the day when I will be reunited with her! I am SO grateful to know that I will see her again. It gives me a stronger desire to be good!
Thank you for your life and your love,
I LOVE YOU Mom!!!