Back on 12 March, made a post about the similarities and differences between me and my Dad. Done under the inspiration of Explorer (http://anexplorer.blogstream.com/) and his trek back in time to Scotland. The last sentence on my post was “The really difficult question. How about differences from and similarities to Mom?”

It really is a difficult question. A couple of weeks of cogitation (even did some of this in public) and still came up with very little. Mom, bless her soul, was just Mom. A good and loving mother. She loved to laugh and have a good time. One of my strongest memories is of Mom, her mother (Nana), a sister or two, and sometimes my Dad standing around Nana at the pump organ singing “The Old Rugged Cross” in beautiful harmony. Could not read a note but they could harmonize. She painted. Played bridge. Cooked chicken and dumplings, pork and sauerkraut, shad and roe better than anyone.

Certainly deserves her tribute. There are a bunch of better pictures somewhere in the cruise box but these will have to do for now:

When my wife learned of this post, she had some similarities and differences to add. She says that I might have more similarities to Mom than to Dad even though I look so much like him.

Both love to swim. She was an excellent swimmer and I enjoy it a lot. My wife says I have the same form she did.

She allowed my brother and myself to spend the day out on the river or running around the neighborhood. Treated my children the same way. They grew up to be trusting and adventurous.

Both liked reading.

Have a joy of life. Sense of humor. Life is fun.

Enjoy talking with people. We had a front porch that looked out over the Susquehanna. Folks always seemed to be coming by. And we both liked to sit and watch the river go by and talk about deep philsophical subjects. And the neighbors.

Mom and Dad were good husband and wife and good parents. A good example of a happy marriage.