Angelina Gatto

To My Dear Mother -

I can only hope that you heard me when I told you how much I love you - just before you left to meet Dad again. You know I never wanted to leave you. And I know every time we spoke you wanted me to come and take you home - but it just wasn't possible. I always wanted to protect you from everything and everyone that could hurt you. We tried so hard to make all your years as happy and carefree as Dad had wanted for you. I remember the days before he died and my promise to take care of you.

I had every expectation that you would live to be 100, and then some. It was so difficult seeing strangers take your last breaths away.

I know I was blessed by you being my mother. My memories of you make it so difficult to accept that you are gone. There was no one that loved me as you did. And everyone who came to know you could easily see how special you were. I recall someone told me about the day you noticed he had no gloves while he shoveled snow. He remembered how you called to him that one special day in his life - and caringly gave him gloves. That was the way you always were. I was gifted to have many of those days with you - where your love and caring were always so bountiful.

There is no solace knowing that you are with Dad, because - as happened when Dad left us - l never wanted either of you to leave. Though you reached your 94th birthday only days before, it's easy to see that you deserved many more years. I wish I could have made your wishes come true, to be with me, MaryJo and Michele.

May God Bless your soul and your spirit - a spirit like no other - for all eternity, until we meet again.

With all my love for you, forever and ever - Your son Ralph. I love you Mom !

Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this time.