www.terrisheart.com | You teach what you want to learn

In Loving Memory

My Mother

Dorothea B. Gary

January 18, 1936 - January 11, 2006

     Dorothea Barbara (Gerlach) Gary is my mother. On

January 11, 2006, God called her home; it was her turn to become an angel. The world now has a new guardian, and I, have a hole in my heart.

     My mom always believed in me and pushed me to believe in myself. She knew me like a mother should know her child. She understood me in a way that only a mother culd. She appreciated me and raised me to be everything I could be, and more. She was aware of my shortcomings, but loved me in spite of them. She gave me strength, showed me faith, entrusted me with secrets and was one of my best friends.

    Emphysema is a terrible disease, it robs people of their

physical strength and endurance, it takes their very breath away, and in the end, like my mother, it takes life. Even though she suffered every day, my mother continued to believe in me. She appreciated my talent as a writer and encouraged me to chase after my dreams and show the doubters just what I was made of. She was my champion, my hero. It just goes to show you, no matter what happens in life, the core of a person doesn’t change, she was no exception.

     Teaching me from the moment I drew my first breath about compassion, love, loyalty, friendship, patience, kindness, warmth, courtesy, encouragement, committment, and above all else, living with you every day. She showed me how to be a woman of substance and courage.

     When I passed it down to my daughter I realized, as I got older, mom got smarter. I remember thinking...she knows more than I ever gave her credit for while growing up. All children do that to their parents, and she just waited patiently for me to understand. Aside from how she loved her family, understanding is the word I'd use to describe her. She never made me feel stupid, or inconsequential.

     She gave me life, but ultimately she taught me how to live. For that, and so much more, I am forever grateful. She was the greatest woman God ever saw fit to put on this earth. May He now rest your soul.

     I miss you Mom.

Whenever I…

Whenever I lean down to smell a rose,

My lips will be kissing your cheek.

Whenever I look into the eyes of my child,

It’s a likeness of you that I’ll seek.

Whenever I catch a glimpse of spring,

I’ll remember the cardinals you loved.

Whenever I feel the summer wind,

You’re caressing my life from above.

Whenever I hear someone laugh,

Your smile will enter my soul.

Whenever I think of your gentle touch,

The memories will make me whole.

Whenever I cry from deep in my heart,

I know that I lost my best friend.

Whenever I hear the words, “she’s gone,”

I’ll lose you all over again.

I’ll miss you forever Mom.

                            Tyler and his Nana, my mom.





                              The tune you're hearing is John Denver's "Sweet Lady"