Such an amazing family! Your mom made being the rock of the family seem effortless. She had such a quiet confidence and purpose driven intellect. I love you all and I am so sorry for your loss!
I have so many fond memories of your mom during my childhood. She was a lovely woman. Wishing you all peace during this difficult time. Tracey Whitstone Ratte
1974, Moraine State Park, Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, PA, USA
Mom always loved sailing and bought a Mac Dinghy, a 10 foot fiberglass sailboat for the family. We all had to take lessons and learned how to upset and re-right a boat in the pool at the YMCA.
When we all got to go sailing, I (Peter) was proudly manning the bow while others were on the seats and Mom seated at the tiller. I could not even get one half of one leg on the bow these days...
After the interest faded, I cleaned up the boat and had it while in Virginia Beach (sailed into the Atlantic Ocean for about 10 minutes once) Virginia, and also again in Leesburg, Virginia. When I moved to Florida I dropped it off for David and his boys to enjoy. Will try to post some pics if I can find them.
One fond memory was when we were all sailing and the enforcement boat came by to check for life jackets. I was at the helm and young David said "STOP!" which is much easier said than done.