Leith Cassone
I didn't find out that she passed until 8/7/2012, when we were planning a trip to go and visit. Mum was in a facility to help with dementia and I always feared that she wouldn't recognize me when I showed up. It seems like only a few months ago when she called in a panic, the start of the dementia. We were never really close as I was growing up, a lot of yelling put some distance between us and I inherited her temper. I know that she really loved me, and I regret that I wasn't there to say good-by. She did what she could for me growing up – Christmas was always good and fun. She often took the place of the Dad I never had, taking me camping, and to events and places that other mum's probably wouldn't have. I still remember her chasing a bus in Florida after a Harlem Globetrotter game because I wanted an autograph. It was the wrong bus. Parents – stay in touch with your kids, and kids, stay in touch with you parents. Life passes so quickly and before you know it all your parents are gone – appreciate them while they are here. And have no regrets when they are gone.