Jan 31, 2010

Where we come from


My Mom, on the right, pregnant with me. My aunt Chris on her left.

It's hard to imagine who I would be if not for my parents influence. I can look right down the line and see which parent gave me which traits. My Dad taught me to question things and people, he taught me to be logical and to follow my heart and the meaning of respect and loyalty among many other things.
My Mom.

My Mom gave me a love of books and reading, a love of music. She taught me to laugh and laugh often, and at myself as much as at other things. She taught me the importance of family and what being in a family means. She taught me to be self reliant but not to be afraid to ask for help.

My Mom was a confidant who kept secrets better than anyone else I know.
She gave good advice and knew when something needed action not just advice.
My Mom showed me how to have fun, every day.
And while my Dad and I would disagree about things, I don't remeber ever arguing with my Mom.

From one of her favorite songs, which sums her up well.
"With a rebel yell she cried- "more, more, more""
(and she loved Billy Idol.)

There are a million reasons why I love my mother and a million reasons while I will miss her every day. I hope I let her know how much she meant to me. For the first time in my 46 years I am without my parents but I think that in everything I do they are present, from reading what I read, to the music I listen to and the jokes I tell and the way I cook and drive.

I miss my Mom.

Karen Jordan
1938-2010

23 comments:

Chris said...

Sorry for your loss, Jon. Your mom sounds like a wonderful lady.

Janet Reid said...

Jon, I'm so sorry for your loss.

David Magayna said...

Deepest sympathies, Jon.

Tim Broderick said...

Jon
I'm so sorry. You and Ruth take care.

Patricia said...

You know that if I could I would love to give you a hug...grab one from Ruth..I was so happy to talk to you both last night..Loving thoughts

RD Hall said...

Jon,

Our thoughts and hearts are with you. R. D. and Amy Hall

Ayo Onatade said...

I am really sorry to hear this and my condolences to everyone.

Fran said...

Strength and hugs all round to Team Jordan.

Jen Forbus said...

Jon and Ruth,

Sending lots of love your way in this painful time. Also thinking how beautiful that your mom is living on through you. What greater show of love is there? Hugs to you both.

Steven T. said...

The Jordan clan has my condolences. I'm very sorry for the loss, and it sounds like a terrible one.

Anonymous said...

Aw, Jon, I'm sorry to hear this.

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

Sending my love.
Kaye

pattinase (abbott) said...

Lost my mother last February. The last thing she said was, "I almost feel joyful." Those words have helped me a lot during this year.
It does get better but I doubt it ever goes away.

Lise said...

Sending you my deepest sympathy, Jon. It's so hard to lose your loved ones. Your mom sounds like she was wonderful, loving, fun person... who could ask for more? Take care.

Unknown said...

My deepest sympathies, Jon. We're thinking of you here in Texas.

Anonymous said...

Jon,
What a lovely tribute to your mother. My deepest sympathies to you and yours...

Anonymous said...

so sorry ...beautiful tribute to her
Cara

Harry Hunsicker said...

Jon, so sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept our condolences.

Chris Grabenstein said...

You write beautifully of your grief. My condolences on your loss.

Jamie Freveletti said...

I'm so sorry. Love that photo. She looked so happy! My sympathy to you and your family.

B.G. Ritts said...

My condolences to you and your family, Jon.

Jill Brickman said...

I'm very sorry, Jon. Condolences to you and Ruth. Your mom sounds very special.

Tasha Alexander said...

:(

Sending you heaps of love.