Condolence From: Jim AKA #4
Condolence: Mom
Our family was Moms true pride and joy! My early memories of Mom was Mom walking me back to grade 2 class after coming home on day 1 as the teacher scared me! Mom sending Tommie and I to Safeway to get “Bug Juice”, AKA Soya Sauce”! The annual Robin Hood Christmas Parties with Mom playing jingle bells on the piano, all the kids singing along and in came Santa Clause, AKA Dad! The first time I remember having Swedish meat balls was with Mom at the smorgasbord (buffet) at these Christmas Parties! Moms smile was infectious and her laugh was like the sound of music. Mom taught us how to say our prayers, “now I lay me down to sleep” once our prayers were said there was no getting out of bed although some of us snuck out to sleep in the hall! Growing through the years Mom really enjoyed her grandchildren. We all of memories of Boundary Bay and waiting for the tide to go out and then walking out for miles only to be chased back in by the return of the tide, all with Moms great laughter. Mom always said ‘cherish those memories’ and oh what wonderful memories we have to share! From their 25th wedding anniversary party in Edmonton to their 35th anniversary in Winnipeg, Mom was always playing the piano while all our relatives joined in the sing along! Moms’ picture at their 50th wedding anniversary is priceless as it really shows her beautiful, radiant smile! Mom always put her family first and raised a pretty fantastic (especially # 4) group of six sons!
Thank you Mom
Saturday February 13, 2016
Condolence From: More from Bruce
Condolence: All her Life our Mom always put others and their feelings first ..... Always!
During her years at Amica, the other residents and the staff say Hi to Mom as she walked by or participated in an event. Mom would always say hello back and ask "how are you doing" or some similar phrase. Always and I mean always positive, always with that Mom radiant smile .
When Mom was moving , all the staff were gathered around saying their good byes and most had tears in their eyes. That was our Mom's effect on people she crossed paths with.
At Lynn Valley Care Center it was much the same and all the staff fell in love with Mom and her always positive smile and demeanour .
Even in Mom's last weeks , when she would be asked if she was OK or in pain or whatever Mom's answer would always be "I'm OK " Hiw are you"?
I looked forward everyday to my visit with Mom , I always felt safe being with my Mom. not sure who got more out of the visits me or Mom. Always were so full of contentment ...... as long as I gave her a chocolate or a Werthers or some grapes or cherries AND didn't take one for me!!!
It has been a painful transition. I have always enjoyed talking about our Mom "is" and having to change to our Mom "was" is hard but doable.
Love you My Mom.
Friday February 12, 2016
Condolence From: Bruce
Condolence: Where does one start with 66 years of wonderful memories of our Mom. The amazing Lady who gave birth to six Sons and raised us and nurtured us for her entire Life. No matter where in our Life we were, our Mom has always been there to fully support her Sons,sometimes with a critical eye and at times at volume with a critical but loving voice.
I am very blessed to have shared my Life with our Mom and Dad and through them five pretty awesome Brothers.
One of my last memories of our Mom is actually one of my first memories too.
I was blessed with being with our Mom for the last weeks of her Life and once when trying to feed her some juice , I came to the realization that Life is a circle.
I came into this world being fed by our Mom and our Mom was now preparing to leave this world with me feeding her.
Our Mom was always there for us and will always be there, in the hearts of her six boys.
The Legacy of Frankie and Jimmie will live on.
Oh yeah one more thing ....... Mom liked me best !
Thursday February 11, 2016
Condolence From: Michael
Condolence: Someone has to be the first. I owe everything to my mom. I remember the first time she caught me taking potato chips out of a grocery store in Windsor Park. I was 4. She marched me right back, made me apologize to the manager - I learned my lesson that day! My first grape soda was in 1965 when we walked to the beach in West Vancouver - Eagle Harbour and back before I started school. What memories of such a fabulous place to grow up. In Winnipeg, attending St. Paul's, I would have never of gotten into that school if mom hadn't dragged me by the ear to meet the principal of Deer Lodge Junior High and laid down the lay on how I needed to pass. St. Paul's set me on the right track, she gave up making lunches by grade 10 but acknowledged all the moms at our mom/son lunch on graduation day when the Priest mentioned her by name for pushing me through. University was not for me, I went to the university of Frances Ballingall. Lived by the golden rule "to thy own self be true" and "don't take any wooden nickels". I still don't know what they are! My friends were always welcome, no matter what time of night or meal, and later my wife and my boys plus dog always felt at home. Most times we never wanted to leave. As the 6th son you get to see a lot, live a lot, and hear a lot. When it comes to mom, I saw it all, I heard it all, and I still learn every day as the son of Frances and Jim Ballingall.
Wednesday February 10, 2016
