Mom Of My Heart

Franalee June Buchheister Thompson

b. May 18, 1931 - d. December 25, 2011

There has been a reason why I haven't posted for awhile. My darling mom passed away on Christmas Day, 2011 and I've been dealing with the kind of grief we all experience when someone special leaves our lives. Mom lived with us these past ten years so she was a very important member of our family and very present in our day to day lives. The boys have literally grown up with Oma right down the hall. What a blessing to not only have her as my mama when I was little but also as my friend in middle age. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to love and be loved so deeply over a lifetime. 

Mom was an amazing woman...So much so, there's no way I can properly memorialize her in one entry so I'd like to remember her through a special blog, which I will set up later this week. As I spend this year processing through my grief I know that more and more good memories of Mom will flood back to me and a blog will be a perfect place to share them. I'd love it if family and friends would contribute their stories, photos, videos, etc...as we progress. I'll write more in detail of her life and death there. But I think it's important to remember and thank her here for all she gave to Brooke's Books. She was our production and shipping manager since we began in 2003 and she worked tirelessly to make sure our customers got the best products and service we could muster. Her work ethic was second to none...and I'm not just saying that. She and Dad taught us that "work was love made visible" and I am so greatful to them for teaching me that singular truth. Mom was also an essential inspiration in my design work. She was a very talented artist who not only encouraged me but gave me sound advice and much needed criticism which was so necessary for success. She had amazing taste with a keen understanding of color and composition...I feel lost without my dear artistic and creative friend. But most importantly Mom taught me to "never give up" so I know she would want me to look ahead to a year of new designs and "get on with it". LOL! So, without further adieu...

I miss you and will love you forever...my mother...my friend.

Comments

[Adriana Ruggeri]

Un gran abrazo de corazón a tí y tu familia, desde Argentina.

[missy]

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I can feel the love and respect you have for your mom through your words.

hugs
-missy-

[Tracey]

Keeping you in my thoughts as you go through this difficult time. Remember all those wonderful times spent together with your Mom. Take care...

[Donna Cowart]

Know that you are in my thoughts, Brooke! I learned something after my son died that helped me. The grief never goes away. You just learn how to carry it around better. Take care!

[Deb Burk]

Brooke, I'm so sorry. Please accept my sincerest sympathies, as I know what you're going through and how difficult this time has been for you.

{{{hugs}}}

Deb

[Annemiek]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss Brooke, my condolances to you and your family.

[rc]

Brooke - I'm so sorry for your loss. It is very clear the love and admiration you had for your mom. I think all of us mothers hope and wish that our children feel that way about us. How wonderful that you were able to spend so much time with her these past 10 years. *hugs*

[Mary Cargile]

Brooke, I am so sorry. You have my deepest sympathy.

Hugs,
Mary

[Colleen G]

Brooke and family, I am so sorry for your loss. She is an amazing woman, and I look forward to learning more about her. Remember to take care of yourself too, and may 2012 be full of laughter and loving memories!

[June Peart]

Dear Brooke I am so sorry of the loss of your dear mother, I also lost my dear father on the 27th Dec 2011 so my heart goes out to you. I lost my Mother a few years ago and also Lost a daughter and unborn Grandson. Donna in the post above is so right the grief never goes away but each day you learn to live with it.
Your mother will always be with you in your heart.
Take care .

[Sarah]

So sorry to hear and so sorry this had to happen on Christmas of all days.

[Tammie]

Brooke, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Tammie

[Valerie]

My sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved mom...my mom passed away this past December 9, she was 2 weeks' short of her 91st birthday. It makes no difference what our age is nor that of our parent's, it's still difficult. God bless you and yours!

[Tedra Raden]

I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's death Brooke, I know how hard it is to lose your mother! You'll always have the wonderful, special memories you have of her.....

[Dusty Spencer]

Brooke, I am so sorry to hear of your lose. A mother's passsing leaves a much bigger hole in our life than any other. I lost my mom 10 years ago this year, and I still want to pick up the phone to share something with her. I will keep you and yours in my prayers and thoughts. cherish all the memories, they will help ease the grief. {{{hugs}}}
Dusty

[Marissa]

Brooke,
I admire your strength and wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time! You wrote an increible tribute to your mom thus far and I look forward to learning more about her life through your amazing words <3
I'm keeping your family in my thoughts an prayers,
Marissa

[Barbi S.]

Brooke~ My thoughts and prayers are with you. It's coming up on 3 years since my mom passed and I miss her everyday.They are always with us and watch over us and continue to enjoy our accomplishments. How blessed we are to have had the most wonderful moms!!Time heals but she'll always be there in your heart and memories.
Barbi S.

[Anne R.]

My deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. May God hold you in His hands.

[Cindy]

So sorry to hear about your mom. How blessed you were to have such a special one. Sending my prayers and thoughts to you.

[Helena]

Oh Brooke, Howsorry I was to receive your news. Your Mum was such a special person, prayers for you and your family.

[Heather K]

Brooke, how wonderful for you to have such great memories of your mother. The pain will dull, but the joy remains and she will be with you always

[Vickie]

Brooke, I am so sorry to hear about your mom! Sending good thoughts and hugs your way!

[Christina]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[emily]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear mother, Brooke. Wishing you all peace and comfort in the knowledge that you had such a wonderful time together as a family. She sounds like an amazing woman!

[Theresa]

What a beautiful tribute to your mom! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Cheryl]

Brooke,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My heart aches for you. My mom just passed on Jan. 6, 2012 and you are such a strong person to be able to write such a loving tribute. Sending my prayers and thoughts your way.

[Denise]

Brooke,
My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your dear mother. My own mother has been gone for five years and I miss her every day. You just have to hold on to the memories and keep your mom in your heart.

[Rita]

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your dear mother and pray that the wonderful memories she left you will comfort you.

[Annie]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Brooke. My thoughts are with you.

[Debra Shanler]

Brooke, so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. Cherish the wonderful memories you have. Hugs and Wishes as you wander through this year of firsts.

[Shirls Rose Cottage]

Brooke, I'm so sorry to read of your Mom's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Blessings, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

[Cherylyn Adair]

Brooke, I'm very sorry for your loss. I think a blog will be a wonderful way to keep your Mom's memory close to your heart.

[Maria Jose]

Dear Brooke: Im so sorry for your loss. It is difficult to find the right words, but be sure my prayers are with you, your family and of course your dear mother. May she rest in peace.

[Tina Mahlmeister]

Dear Brooke,
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God continue to bless you & your family in this time.

[Gay Ramella]

Dear Brooke,

So sorry to hear about your Mom. I still miss my mom and often wish she were here, but I now have wonderful "chats" with her. And it is so true the loss never does go away, but we manage to adjust to life.
Take Care
~Gay Ramella

[Jaan]

May God give you the strength to carry on. We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Mothers are so special, its been two years since I have lost mine. I happily remember her and all the wisdom she bestowed upon me. God Bless

[Linda N]

So sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. Your Mom will always watch over you from above. Take care.

[Gwen Kallie]

My heart goes out to you and your family Brooke. I truly understand what you're going through. Several years ago I lost my sister a few days after Christmas. I also know how it feels to lose a Mother. You have my prayers and sincerest encouragement as you find your way. God Bless!

[gloria]

Dear Brooke, I fully understand what means losing one's Mother and I am sharing all your feelings . Time helps , yes, but stil , after years , her smile, her laugh ,her parfum come out suddenly and her souvenir is still neat and clear. Hope time, Family, friends and your work will give you relief from this huge pain. hugs, gloria from Italy

[Valeria]

Dear Brooke, please accept my sincere condolences. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Anna Miranda]

Dear Brooke,
Thank you so much for sharing the loss of your wonderful Mother. So many of us can relate and we are grateful we can share back with you. I look forward to your blog and what a great way to honor and process your grief. I am so happy you and your family had the precious gift of quality time with your Mom. Tons of Love, Light and Prayers to You and Your Family.

[Sally]

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Mother. That is a painful thing to go through.

[Charlene♥SC]

Brooke,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. It must be all the harder when she has been in your home so close in distance as well as heart. May all the memories and love bring peace to you and your family soon.

[Donna Zehner]

My Dear Brooke, I am so sorry to hear that...Franalee was an amazing woman and I loved her so as well...Of course an amazing woman would also raise an amazing woman...we miss our mothers everyday...mine has been gone 14 years on 1/27 and I still miss her ...blessings one an all for your loss to heal...

[Sue Menke]

Remembering the best stuff: Your mom staying up till 2am sewing us those conehead costumes for a Halloween party...Your mom staying up all night painting all those beautiful bells as wedding favors (it's still on my bureau). She did so much for other people and had limitless energy. I remember you two singing, harmonizing - always loved that. Maybe in that same vein, she'd have a private conversation with you while you were on the phone with someone else. Harmonizing? Always cracked me up! Franalee. Her name signifies Family and Uniqueness. One of a kind. To always be missed.

[Elizabeth Tomich Stites]

Dear Brooke, I'm so sorry for your loss. I am a customer and an admirer of your work. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Elizabeth

[Sandy]

Brooke, First I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and your Mom had a great relationship. I lost my Mom on Christmas Day 13 years ago last Christmas (2011) Not a day will go by that you don't think of her. I have never remembered anything that wasn't happy. I also lost my best friend that day too. Your Mom looks pretty young. Mine was 77 when she passed. I saw her on her birthday and can still hear her saying "I can't believe I'll be 80 in 3 years". She would have been 94 last December 10th. Life does go on and you'll alway feel her in your heart-I do! Christmas has never be the same for me. I hope you don't let that happen to you. My first granddaughter was born 3 days after my Mom's birthday I wanted so much for her to meet my little Francis!
Sandy BTW I love your designs!