For My Mom......

Its been almost a week and we still can't believe my mom is no longer with us. She was larger then life and I can still feel her energy and hear her voice. It has been comforting to know she will be missed by so many. As a tribute to her, here are the words I spoke at the funeral.....

Jake


Good morning. Those of you who know me, know I am a man of few words. But I could not let this day pass without sharing some thoughts about my beloved mother, Kate.

My story combines the past and the present and dates back to 1988, my senior year in high school. During those years, I was an avid lacrosse player, playing for Radnor. My mom never missed a game, and she was our biggest, loudest cheering fan. Many times the coach would say, and I quote, “Mrs. O, Mrs. O please stand back a little bit you are too far out on the field.” I can still hear her screaming with all her might, “get them guys” “don’t let them the score”. Her voice, along with her beautiful heart were filled with HOPE, PERSISTENCE, and DETERMINATION! It didn’t take long for Mrs. O to be the voice of our team. I loved that my mom would always include everyone, wherever she was, and that included each and every one of my teammates.

During the last few hours I spent with her in the hospital I made a direct connection between the lacrosse field and my mother’s brave fight against the disease that was taking over her body. That same heart that was filled with HOPE, PERSISTANCE, and DETERMINATION that cheered for us on the lacrosse field, was the same heart that gave her the strength to fight her fight over this last month. Although her organs might have failed her in the end, it was her heart that never skipped a beat. That was one of the qualities I loved most about her and hope to pass onto my children. Mom, be at peace and know that Stephanie, Drew, Alex, Sophie and I will love and miss and you always!