Sometimes it can be tough to remember what happened just a day ago, never mind one year ago.  For me, I will always remember Saturday, October 1, 2011.  That day, I was giving away my oldest daughter Katie in matrimony to a fine young man, Patrick Sullivan, in San Diego.  A call came that same morning from the East Coast from my sister, Annie, who had the unpleasant task of calling to tell me that my Mom, Anne, had passed away from stomach cancer.  My Mom was 86, and prior to getting cancer, was so young at heart and spirit.  She passed peacefully with my sister and my brother, Jimmy, at her bedside.  Her passing reminded me how blessed I was to have her as my Mom.  She was, and still is, the most Christ-like person that I have known.  We decided not to tell Katie about her Grandma until the day after the wedding.  And that wedding was beautiful, filled with love and joy and family and to this day, I know that was Mom was there in spirit.  Katie showed me the invitation that my Mom returned for her wedding sent months earlier.  My Mom checked that she was going…but did not check off that she would be having dinner.  I wonder if she knew.  God bless my Mom, and all those who have passed, and may the rest in peace and love.  And, many happy returns to Katie and Patrick for a great life together that started one year ago today.