 This eulogy courtesy of the Manns Family Funeral Home.
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Lisa Franklin, and as the youngest of mom’s four children, it is my bittersweet privilege to share with you the essence of our mom’s vibrant journey through this life. I want to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for your presence here today and for the love and support that have been extended to our family during this time. It means more than words can convey. The Intellectual Dynamo with a Yarn Fetish Mom was a woman of prodigious intellect and talents that were as multifaceted as a well-cut diamond. She was the brain behind TJM Business Service, where she reigned supreme as the queen of numbers and everyone who needed tax help. Her ability to navigate the complexities of tax laws with the ease of a seasoned jogger was legendary. She loved nothing more than to spot a mistake that big tax firms had missed, her eyes lighting up with the thrill of the hunt. It was her version of scoring a touchdown, minus the shoulder pads and the cheerleaders. In the realm of technology, she was a pioneer. Back when computers were the size of small cars and the internet was just a twinkle in some nerds’ eyes, Mom had already set up her own command center. She dove into the world of bits and bytes with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store, albeit a very nerdy candy store. She tried, bless her heart, to teach us the difference between RAM and ROM, and what a marvel the floppy disk was. Most of it went over our heads, but her passion for technology was infectious, even if all we caught was a mild fever. Mom’s Faith Was Central to Who she Was Throughout her life, Mom's faith was the bedrock upon which she stood; it was as integral to her being as her quick wit and boundless love. Embracing her relationship with Jesus Christ early on, she walked a path illuminated by her faith, a beacon of light and hope not just for herself but for all who knew her. Her Bible, well-worn from years of use, was a testament to her devotion, its pages filled with highlighted verses and handwritten notes in the margins. Mom's faith was not a quiet, private affair but a vibrant, living force that she shared openly. She embodied the love and grace of Christ in every action, every word, and every chuckle. Even as her health waned, her faith never faltered; it was her unwavering compass, guiding her through life's storms with a peace and assurance that was nothing short of inspirational. The Heart of the Morales Clan To talk of Mom’s spirit is to speak of a love so vast, it could envelop the world. She had a heart the size of Texas and a laugh that could light up the darkest room. Her love for Dad was the stuff of legends, a love that endured the trials of time and grew only stronger in the face of adversity. Witnessing their devotion to each other was like watching a real-life fairy tale, complete with the happily ever after. They had been married for 48 years when we lost him, back in 2012… Mom’s compassion and empathy were her superpowers. She had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. The treasure trove of cards and notes she kept were a testament to the deep connections she forged. To be loved by our mom was to know true unconditional love. In 2021, life threw us a curveball when Mom was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. This diagnosis physically slowed her down, tethering her to oxygen support around the clock, yet her mind remained as sharp as ever. This period ushered in a steep learning curve for all of us, as we strived to provide Mom with the care she needed while ensuring she maintained the highest level of independence possible. The initial adjustment to our "new normal" felt like we were living in a series of "I Love Lucy" episodes. Our family dynamics transformed into a comedic ballet of sorts, with us maneuvering through the narrow corridors of her home like human pinballs, trailing behind her as she adeptly navigated her wheelchair and walker combo. The 50-foot oxygen tubing that crisscrossed the floor became our nemesis, often entangling us in a dance of near misses and outright tumbles. The comical escapades continued outside the home, particularly with the wheelchair escapades. Picture this: securing Mom in the car, only to turn around and see her wheelchair making a daring escape across the parking lot or, on occasion, adventurously rolling into the street. More than once, Mom was treated to the sight of me, her ever-diligent daughter, leaping out of ditches in hot pursuit of her wayward chariot. Our expeditions to doctor's appointments were no less entertaining, marked by the Herculean task of balancing heavy oxygen tanks and navigating her wheelchair. Despite our best efforts, we became somewhat infamous for our unintended mishaps, such as inadvertently running over bystanders' toes or shaving bits off walls. Even our forays into electric shopping carts turned into adventures reminiscent of Thelma and Louise, albeit on a much tamer scale. We zipped through aisles with a wild sense of freedom, occasionally leaving a trail of toppled products and disrupted displays in our wake—never intentionally, of course. Through all these trials and tribulations, laughter was our constant companion. It buoyed our spirits and strengthened our bond, transforming challenges into cherished memories. Caring for Mom in her final years not only brought us closer to her but also to each other. Each madcap mishap, each shared giggle, and every moment of tenderness contributed to a tapestry of love and resilience that defined our family. These experiences, though at times trying, were invaluable, imbuing our lives with a richness that we will forever cherish. A Valentine's Day Farewell And then, in a poetic twist that only Mom could have orchestrated, she chose Valentine’s Day to say her final goodbye. It was as if she wanted to leave us with a lasting reminder of her greatest lesson: love transcends all. Her passing on this day of love is not a marker of loss but a celebration of the incredible love she shared with us all. Each year, as we see the Valentine’s Day decorations, we’ll be reminded of Mom’s enduring love, a love that now watches over us from above, reunited with Dad and our Heavenly Father. In closing, let’s remember mom (Tommie to most of you) not just as the woman she was but as the spirit she embodies. A spirit of resilience, of laughter in the face of adversity, of unconditional love. Mom, your legacy lives on in the lives you’ve touched, in the love you’ve given, and in the laughter you’ve shared. Thank you, Mom, for everything. We love you more than words can say, and we’ll miss you more than you’ll ever know. But we take comfort in knowing that you’re watching over us, probably chuckling at our attempts to navigate life without your guidance but cheering us on all the same. Here’s to you, Mom, our guardian angel with a knack for numbers and a passion for yarn. May your legacy of love and laughter continue to inspire us all. |