Gram Pam & Easton
I am rarely involved in posting on the family blog - leaving the hard work to Jamie because she is our family's blogging expert. But I thought it was worth a shot today, so here we go. Today is my mother's birthday. It has been almost four years since Pam
Hackett passed away and not a day goes by that I
dont think about her. Reading her obituary today was
surreal - such a great life, but impossible to capture in three paragraphs for the local Sunday paper. It
doesnt even come close to doing her justice. But then again, neither could I. Not if I typed for days. Weeks.
I will never forget the things she did for me and my family. Working multiple jobs to help pay the bills, helping with last minute art projects so I didn't fail second grade, embracing my wife as her own daughter and taking my call every day on my way home from work. Those of you who know me probably are laughing at that, since I don't ever answer my phone, but its true. Until the day she died, my mom and I would talk every day - sharing stories about our day, her imparting advice on how to be a better husband or father, but, most importantly, just laughing. We laughed a lot. It is funny though. Even though I will never forget these things, my mind wont let me remember others. I think it is my mind trying to protect itself. I dont remember her voice and it is hard for me to hold an image of her face in my mind for more than a few seconds. The pain is too intense. But I am the lucky one. My wife knew and loves my mom. My brother Alex's wife, whomever that poor girl ends up being, will never have that relationship. I have pictures of my first son with my mother. Neither of my brothers will be able to look back on those memories of their own children. For that I am truly grateful.
I love you mom. I miss you terribly. I try every day to make you proud. Can't wait to see you again and share some laughs.
Ian
