Monday, April 7, 2014
Mom looks so beautiful in this photo. Seeing her obituary on this website makes me so sad. I never wanted this day to come but now it’s so real. Gita was the best mother anyone could hope for.
When I was little, so much of my childhood was fantastic. I was completely unaware that I was a first generation American, living in poverty. When my parents were superintendents of the building, life was great. I got to use my tricycle up and down the long basement corridors. My best memories were the art receptions. Yes – we had a Latvian craft store and art gallery right in our house. From time to time all the Latvian immigrants all came to our house to appreciate and buy paintings and crafts. They threw their dollars into a big punch bowl to pay for the food. At some point we moved upstairs to the main floor and that apartment is still in our family, with third generation living there! Mom started a tailoring business from the house so she could stay home with us. She cleaned the dentist’s office so we got free dental care. She’d wheel and deal with all of the markets so we had the best food. She believed in us, allowing us to believe we were the greatest and smartest and best kids. We all lived up to her expectations.
As an adult, Mom and I were close friends, taking many glorious trips together and sharing in adventures. When I started having kids, she helped me raise them. Mom was an amazing artist. She created the most beautiful tapestries and ceramics and drawings. Everywhere she went she left beauty.
My only regret is that 4 years ago when I got divorced, I was in deep financial trouble. I had to work 3 jobs and to this day, still do. I was not able to spend the quality time with my mother that I wanted to. I am thankful to my siblings who were able to spend time with her, especially during these final weeks. But Mom understood that I had to work and was proud that I was able to keep my family going.
I miss you Mom. I love you so much.
