Monday, February 2, 2009

Kit Hawes January 13, 1947-February 2, 2004

Today marks five years since our mom passed away from lung cancer. I have been thinking about her a lot the past two days. Here is a picture of her in front of her flower garden. Mom was an amazing gardener. She had a green thumb and had a home full of plants and a porch and yard full of flowers. She was also a golfer. She got a hole in one once (and her name in the paper lots of times)! She and my step-dad, Rich, celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary the year she passed away. She worked for 30 years at CSU Chico in the accounting department and retired a few months before her diagnosis. She was also a fantastic grandma. Two of my children haven't gotten to meet her, yet.
The second picture is from her birthday in January, 2004. She had never ridden in a limousine, so Rich rented one to celebrate her 57th birthday. This picture shows Mom, Rich, Darlin and Papa (Mom's parents) and me. My sister, Jeanette, and her husband, Curt, also came, along with some of Mom's brothers and their wives. The limo took us on a ride around Canyon Oaks, where Mom lived at the time, and then to Mom's favorite Chinese food restaurant. While we were inside eating, the driver took the limo back to pick up my sister's eight children and took them for a ride. Then he came back and took us over to Shubert's Ice Cream to get some of Mom's favorite treat, Lemon Custard ice cream. It was a great night.
We sure miss you, Mom!

6 comments:

Jeanette said...

Thank you coming up with the idea to post a tribute to Mom today. I know she is watching us. And I can't wait to talk to her again! Oh, the things I would ask her if I could talk to her today....all in good time.

Allyson White said...

Thanks for sharing this. I really enjoyed reading about your mother.

Wade said...

Tributes are always interesting to read. I almost said fun to read, but that wouldn't be right. I enjoy reading and getting a "backstory" on people's lives in these blogs.
Heather's sealing was quite wonderful. They were sealed by President Martz. He did a bang up job. Having gone to many over the last 30 years I would rate this one quite high. I was deeply touched by the spirit that day.

nevadanista said...

Awe, Rich is looking at her so sweetly.

I always liked you're mom. That was a nice tribute :)

Our Family said...

Rich took unbelievable care of Mom when she was sick. All bad feelings from growing up with a step-dad melted away as I watched him devote himself completely to her. It was a pretty tender time for all of us.

Amy Beatty said...

I only got to meet your mom once but she sure was beautiful and seemed pretty chic in her little power suit. She had such a lovely garden. I can't believe it has already been 5 years. She must have been incredible. Both you and your sister are amazing women. I like to think she was hanging out with those last two in heaven before they came here. I'm glad you posted this. A nice little insight of your mom. Love you xo