Remembering Mom One Year After Her Passing

By: Jacqueline Cecelia Bennett

One year ago today my mother died. It has felt like a long year without her while seeming just like yesterday that she passed away. Those of us who loved her take solace in knowing that Mom/Nana/Cecelia lived a full, rich life.

In August of 2010 we went up to Fenway Park to see her beloved Red Sox. Her father was a professional athlete who played baseball and boxed. His dream was to make it to the majors and play for “The Sox,” so Mom’s loyality to the team ran deep. In fact, loyalty was one of her most salient characteristics, so too with my dad. They both could always be depended upon to be there through the toughest of times with determination and confidence for the future.

Theirs was a profound bond with an enduring influence. Even though my father died many years ago, their names are still most often said together in the same breath – “Mom and Dad,” “Nana and Big Johnny,” “Celia and John.” Both stressed the importance of education. My dad would say, “Education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you.” And, both had a great joy for living – they loved to dance!

How fortunate our family is to have gathered to celebrate her last birthday – January 12, 2010 – at Shea’s American for what Mom called, “the big time we had for my birthday.” Nothing made her happier than to be surrounded by family.

                             

Celia & John

Fenway Park home of the Boston Red Sox August 23, 2010

Shea's American January 2010