The year before Micki Yamamoto passed away, she and I drove over and had a nice visit with your mom. Your mom sent us both home with homemade pickled radish, and had way more energy than someone her age should have had.
In Magrath, she was friendly with my mom, and they would sometimes chat in the yard when your mom was on her way home from work at Tanner’s. She always seemed bright and cheery, and kept watch over me the summer I worked there.
One year I remember, she cooked up a huge supper for the New Year’s eve celebration and invited our small (only 5 kids at that time)family to share with your crew. Exotic flavours for small-town kids.
When your parents moved to BC, my dad lost his fishing buddy, but your parents would check in when they passed through town.
You’ll miss your mom. Even though you’ve been independent for so long, when your last parent goes, you still somehow feel like an orphan. It’s as if a protective layer between you and whatever lies ahead has suddenly thinned. I hope you find comfort in sharing the memories of your Mom and Mitch and Jane and Lee as you gather. I still hear Jane’s robust outburst of laughter in my mind sometimes.-K.
