In Memory Of Linda (Toots) Norton

This was our mom's favorite poem and it was given to each of us when she passed.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path Gold laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Task left undone must stay that way;

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembering joy.

A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;

Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much;

Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my times seems all to brief;

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

It will soon be a year since she passed of cancer and I truely miss her, more each day. I miss those evening phone calls and I love you's.Some days are harder than other's but I seem to get through them.I hope and pray that one day there will be a cure for cancer so that no one else has to lose a loved one to this terrible disease.I found an old photograph and seen your smile.As I feel your presence anew,I am filled with warmth and my heart remembers love.I read an old card sent years ago the soothing words written then still caress my spirit and bring me peace.I remember who you used to be the laughter we shared.You are the morning bird singing joyfully at sunrise, or the butterfly that dances so carelessly on the breeze or the rainbow of colors that brightens a stormy sky or the fingers of afternoon mist delicately reaching over the mountains or the final few rays of the setting sun lighting up the skies edging the clouds with a magical glow. I miss your being but I feel your presence,Your spirit has become for me a guardian angel on high guiding, advising,and watching over me,Melisa,Mechele,Michael,Jennifer and our families.I 'll always remember You,You are with me and I am not afraid.When the warmth of the sun touches my face,I see your smile and feel your embrace. I hear the whisper of love in the wind And I know that you are close to me again The rain speaks of tears and the thunder of pain, But soon the sun comes the earth to reclaim.As the days come and go and the world moves on,I know you're still here, you'll never be gone.On the night the Angel came and took your hand,We cried as you left for Heaven.But Heaven rejoiced as you came into sight,for your soul was a diamond, shining so bright! I always took for granted,what I thought I'd never lose.Because I never thought it would happen,until I heard the dreaded news.They say you were chosen for his garden,His preciously hand picked bouquet."God really needed her,That's why she couldn't stay."Saying goodbye is never easy,It's the hardest thing to do.But what hurts me even more is not the chance to say it to you.So today, Jesus, as you are listening in your home above,Would you go and find my mom,And give her all my love! She was a beautiful and wonderful daughter,mother and sister.The memories we shared will always be cherished and close to our hearts."I LOVE YOU MOM! "

A Mother is neither and anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but always a guiding light whose love shows us the way.