Remembering my mom

2008-03-09T01:32:32Z

The following is the content from comments I presented at the memorial service celebrating the life of my mother, Sandra Kay Anderson. This celebration was held Thursday, March 6, 2008 at the Camden Opera House in Camden, Maine.

The best thing about mothers is that we all have one. Some of us though are lucky enough to have a mother that we believe is the greatest mother in the world, You know the type - one that you believe should be pictured in Webster's right next to the definition of the word mother. I speak here today for all three of us, when I say that Holly, Todd and I were blessed to be included in this fortunate group. Sandy was our mother, and throughout our lives she made it clear that her mission was to be our mother.

Our mom was selfless -
Throughout our lives mom was always putting the needs of the family ahead of her personal needs and desires. For Todd, he recalls the time when he was 3 years old sitting on Mom's lap at the kitchen table. As they sat there a large urn of coffee was knocked over on the table. While all of the coffee spilled onto mom, her concern was Todd. She quickly stripped Todd's clothes off making sure he had not been burnt. Her immediate focus was for the safety of her child, disregarding and increasing the extent of the 3rd degree burns down her leg.

Our mom was supportive -
Mom always tried to be to there to help her children attain the goals of their hearts. For Holly, she recalls her efforts to move up to Maine to be closer to the rest us here. Holly and Dad had many discussions on the subject where he shared his opinion that her move needed planning and proper execution, but mom decided this was not an item that needed any further debate. Mom knew what Holly wanted and she finally told her in confidence. "Holly, you do what you need - I'll take care of Rich." I'm pretty sure this was not the first time mom had to ‘take care of Rich'.

Our mom was loving -
Her love though was not just reserved for her children. Mom always treated our friends as if they were family. Our home was a safe haven for our friends growing up. Whether it be for a thoughtful conversation, a family dinner, or even an extended stay, the doors to our house were open. I should also add that her house was not only open to friends, but also strangers alike. For example, one night shortly before I moved to Maine mom & dad were eating dinner on their deck when they noticed a young woman walking down Dillingham Point. They recognized the woman as someone who waited tables at Frogwater, their favorite restaurant in town, and invited her in for a tour of the house. After I moved here I was often invited to join mom and dad for dinner at Frogwater. During one of our first dinners there mom made a point to introduce me to that young woman. Not three years later that woman would become my wife.

Our mom was strong -
Now, just so that you all don't think mom was some sort of push over. For myself, I'll share with you a first hand experience I had dealing with mom. I had just graduated from college and had moved back home as many graduates have a tendency to do now. Since I was living there mom decided she would hire me to stain the deck on the house. Well, after 3 weeks and little progress, she realized she had made a bad hire and told me it was time to go find a new job. I am proud to say that is the only job I've ever been fired from. Yes, perhaps a time where mom had "taken care of me".

Our mom was full of Joy -
Life provided mom with many opportunities to lose her sense of joy in her journey, but she never did. For all of you, I'll give you something to remember from my mom. Think back to your last encounter with our mom. Perhaps it has been years since you shared a moment with mom; perhaps you are a tradesman mom worked with while you helped build her home here in Camden; perhaps you are a local merchant who accepted a $20 bill from mom after she realized she could no longer figure out how to make proper change; perhaps you said hello to mom at a local function while she stood at our fathers side not quite connecting your face to a name. Whatever that last encounter was that you remember, I can pretty much guarantee you this. Like she did for the night nurse at the Knox Center who brought mom her medication last Saturday night, she probably had a big smile for you. This disease took a lot away from mom, but it never did take her smile or joy from being with other people.

We are thankful for the time we had with mom, we will cherish the memories we have, we will miss her greatly, and we thank you all for joining us in this celebration of her life.

Makes me go hmmm?!?!?

2008-02-21T17:46:31Z

I have logged a lot of highway miles along Interstate 95 between New London and Maine this past year. Most often this driving occurs during the darkness of night.

For those of you have traveled the Maine stretch of I-95 you know the exits are few and far between. According to the official Maine Turnpike map, there are just 7 exits and more than 40 miles of I-95 between the Maine Border and Portland. So here's what makes me go hmmm?!?!?.

Why do people leave their GPS navigation units on while their driving down the Turnpike in the middle of the night? I mean, I realize it is easy to get lost in Maine, but do people really need those things glaring in their eyes to make sure an exit 12 miles down the road does not sneak by them.

Better yet, check out this picture? Generally when I enter a tunnel in my car I know that I'm gonna come out on the other side. Hmmm?!?!?

E-politics

2008-01-24T14:16:59Z

If you ever wondered how important of a role "new-media" is playing in today's political campaigns, look no further than John Kerry's endorsement of Barack Obama.

In the good old days the 'bump' from this endorsement would have been based on the legitimacy brought to a campaign. Now, an endorsement can include the bump of an e-mail list.

Derek Anderson

Remembering my mom

Makes me go hmmm?!?!?

E-politics