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Norma Thomas July 6, 2010
Thank you all for being here. I don’t know all of you here, so let me introduce myself. I’m Rick Thomas, Norma’s son, and I would like to share a few words with you tonight.
Mom was born May 26th 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was married to my father Neseb. They raised five children Sharon, Johnny, Karla, Craig and I. As a kid, you really don’t think about how somethings gets done, but only the end result. When looking back, I realize that a very special lady was behind of all of it.
Earlier I mentioned that my mom raised 5 kids, well that’s not even close to being true. You can ask her nieces, nephews, grand children even the kids in the neighborhood. My mom opened our home to everyone. As kid I saw her in so many roles; a Wife, a mom, an aunt, a sister, a sister- in- law, and a friend. Her respect and love for my father was shown every day in the way she cared for him day in, and day out. Fifty years of marriage says it all.
As a mom there is no one better. Her love for us was immeasurable. I remember many days dad worked late and mom had both roles. I still have not been able to figure it all out, how she had did it all without driving a car! When I turned 16 and started to drive I told mom that I could teach her. I will never forget her answer. That’s ok, I’ll manage. I think she was thinking about the neighbor’s car that I had totaled when I was 15.
As an aunt, I saw her influence and helping hand many times with my cousins from opening up her home, cooking a meal, or just by lending an ear. If I didn’t know better, I would say that they where her kids also.
As a sister, I know that it was tough on mom, with her brothers and sister living in Cleveland, and not getting to see them very often. I remember as a kid, she loaded us up on a train heading to Cleveland to visit her family. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like traveling with her 5 kids across the country 40 years ago!
When mom married dad and moved to Beaumont, she had no one here. Her relationships with her sister-in-laws where very special; I remember as a kid thinking they were actually her sisters!
As a friend, my mom had some truly lifelong friend: Mrs. Wallace, Mrs. Weaver, Mrs. Leblanc, Mrs. McCauley and Mrs. Lanclos. They would always have their coffee and share stories.
As mom grew older, and needed us, we returned the love that she brought out in us. Thank you Sharon, Johnny, Karla, and Craig for loving mom back the way the way that she loved us.
I would like to close with this poem.
“I’ll let you go”
I love you, Mom, I'll let you go. God is reaching out His hand.
I'll miss you so, but we both know that your life went just as planned.
I'll say good-bye for now, Mom, 'cause I know we'll meet again.
Jesus died and conquered death so this life is not the end.
Friday, July 9, 2010 |
