My mother….

Hisako Ujifusa February 15, 1931 - September 11, 2010

and the victims of 9/11

9-11

May they rest in peace….

Today I celebrate you not only on this special day, but always.  This is the first Mother’s Day without you and I am feeling a bit melancholy.  It was weird not buying you that special card at the card store this year and thinking of a wonderful gift that I could buy you.  It’s so hard not to want to pick up the phone to talk to you and hear your voice.  But I know that you are looking down on me today and reaching down and smiling.  I take comfort knowing that you are always within me, in spirit and in memories.  I carry you within me not only today, but every day and celebrate your life.

Today and always, I thank you for being my mom.  You will never be forgotten.  I love you and miss you.  I take pride that you have molded me in being the mother I am today.  I celebrate you today…my mother, my companion, my rock….

Your mother is always with you…

She’s the whisper of the leaves

as you walk down the street.

She’s the smell of bleach in

your freshly laundered socks.

She’s the cool hand on your

brow when you’re not well.

Your mother lives inside

your laughter. She’s crystallized

in every tear drop…

She’s the place you came from,

your first home.. She’s the map you

follow with every step that you take.

She’s your first love and your first heart

break….and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, Not space…

Not even death….

will ever separate you

from your mother….

You carry her inside of you…

                                                      —-Anonymous

It’s hard to believe that it has been only 5 months since you left us and even harder not to pick up the phone to call you and wish you a happy birthday.  But today, I celebrate your life and the memories that you have created for me.  To remember your laughter as we chatted about various things from the weather, to your grandchildren, to what was going on in my life.  Listening to you speak in half English and half Japanese to me.  (something that I really miss hearing) Wishing that I could hear your voice once more, for only just a minute.  We used to talk for hours on end about just anything and nothing.  I miss watching my  kids talk to you, knowing that they sometimes had a hard time understanding what you were saying.  They would smile at me and shrug their shoulders, but just kept talking to you, telling you that they loved and missed you.

I remember visiting you in the hospital in Billings, MT, spending days and evenings with you.  Some times we would talk, some times we would just be quiet in our own thoughts.  But every night before I left the hospital, I told you I loved you and that I’d see you the next day.  I remember that last night I saw you (as I had to go home) that you gave me a kiss and a hug and a special longing look, like you were memorizing my face.  I remember turning around to look at you in your hospital room, wanting to turn back and not go home.  I left that night with a heavy heart.  That night, that moment,  is something that I will always remember.   No words can ever express that feelings that I felt.  As I looked back, I know you were saying “good-bye” to me, even though you never really said the words.  It is something I will cherish all my life.

So today, mom, I want to wish you a Happy Birthday and to remember you as you were – strong, brave, loving…special.

You may be gone from this physical earth, but you live within me every day, every moment, every second.

Happy Birthday, mom….I love you

Memories

I feel a warmth around me

like your presence is so near,

And I close my eyes to visualize

your face when you were here,

I endure the times we spent together

and they are locked inside my heart,

For as long as I have those memories

we will never be apart,

Even though we cannot speak no more

my voice is always there,

Because every night before I sleep

I have you in my prayer.

-Louise Bailey

At first I was really nervous at the thought doing this, but after all was said and done, I had a great time and felt that the segment turned out very good.

If any one of you know me well, I am pretty much the “quiet reserve” behind Bruce’s flamboyant personality.  I don’t have a problem with that as it is my nature of being just that.  Growing up, I was taught not to brag or boast about your successes or endeavors and that the recognition would come from within and from others on their own.  But with the rage of social networking and the continuous movement of needing to be recognized for your uniqueness to set yourself apart from the rest of the social media frenzy has pushed everyone to become their own “attention seeking whore” aka ASW.

Now there are many ways of being an ASW, all of which can be subjective.  However, the key to becoming successful in “tooting” your own horn has to come genuinely from within with honesty, class and unpretentious.  The key is not to brag or to bring attention to yourself or to say, “look, look, look at me”, but only to state your successes and how you obtained the goals you set out to do.  Everything else will fall in place when people recognize you as an example they want to follow.

So even though being an ASW is not in my nature, I guess sometimes you just have to do it…and sometimes its not so bad!

As most of you already know, my mom recently passed away peacefully on September 11, 2010.  What most of you might not know is what kind of person she was or what kind of life she led.

When my sister was speaking to the Buddhist priest to arrange a memorial for my mom, one of the questions that he had asked her is, if she could describe mom in one word, what would that word be.  All of us sisters agreed that the word that described mom the most was the word “courageous”.

You see, mom had lived a hard and arduous life.  As a little girl, her home town, Nagoya, Japan was bombed over 90% with incendiary bombs.  She lost her home and her family had to rebuild from scratch.  She learned how to fight/defend herself at the age of 9 or 10 with items such as sticks and poles.  And every time bombers came over, she had to go to the air raid shelters until the bombing was over.  I remember her telling me that when she looked up at the sky, the sky was blackened by the numerous amounts of B-52s flying in the air.  There were times when food became scarce and she had to resort to eating plants and sometimes beetles and grasshoppers.

As she grew up into a young adult, she was struck by a car which opened up her chest.  She survived the accident, but left a scar approximately 6-8″ long and about an 1 inch wide above her left breast.  It almost took her life.

She met my dad when the US Armed forces occupied Japan working as a manager at the Officer’s hotel laundering service.  They married and mom left her family in Japan to begin her new life in a new country.  Going from living in a large city to living in a small farming community, not knowing anyone and not speaking the language was a huge adjustment for her.  I remember her telling me how much she missed her family and some times longed to go back.  Since coming to the United States she only had the opportunity to see them once in her life time.  Yet, she never complained.  She learned how to read, write and speak English, get her US citizenship and raised 4 girls (she lost two infant boys).  She even got a job as a manager at a fast food restaurant!  She was adored by all!

Although her life was filled with hardship, she persevered and remained strong.  She taught us girls how to stay strong when times got tough, to love unconditionally, and most importantly to live our lives to the fullest and appreciate the things that life gives us.

Yes, “courageous” is the perfect word that fits her.  Courageous to the very end.

I’m going to miss my mom dearly, but she will continue to live within me and my memories.  Her spirit will continue to guide me and help me live my life knowing that I was blessed with knowing and loving such a wonderful person.

She may be gone from this physical world, but will always be with us in spirit…

]]> http://gayleelgort.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/in-loving-memory-of-my-mom-hisako-ujifusa-february-15-1931-september-11-2010/feed/ 7 Gayle http://gayleelgort.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/happy-birthday-to-my-baby-bella/ http://gayleelgort.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/happy-birthday-to-my-baby-bella/#comments Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:42:47 +0000 gayleelgort http://gayleelgort.wordpress.com/?p=1101 ]]> Happy Birthday Bella!  You are now 3 years old today!

I clearly remember the day we brought you home…howling and screaming all the way home in your crate!  I thought to myself…”boy, do I really want another dog??? Especially this howly one??”

What was I thinking!!!  Every day, you bring us joy and happiness to our family!  Your morning “woo woo’s” to wake us up to a new day, your “woo woo’s” (with your bone in your mouth) greeting us when we come home….the joyous sound of “welcome home mommy and daddy” fills the house.  What a blessing you have been to all of us!  Domino has a best friend and sister who he loves to play with!  Erin and Brandon have a “best friend” at their side.  And the shear joy and laughter you bring to me personally has been the best “medicine” that anyone could ever prescribe!

Thank you for being the little “fart” you are, Bella!  We are sooo looking forward to many, many more years of the same!  Happy Birthday my baby Bella!

Mom in her early 20's

Mom, this blog entry is dedicated to you in honor of your 79th birthday.  As a mother, I now understand the sacrifice, the unconditional love, the selflessness and the patience you gave of yourself for your children.  The past couple of years, you have encountered some hardships that a child never wants to see their parents go through.  Yet, you are a survivor and every day you show me how much a mother’s love and strength can carry her through even through the hardest of times.  You are my inspiration to continue to live my life to the fullest and to never give up in any circumstances.  Your constant love and affection has given me the strength to be my best.

Thank you

To be a mother is not an easy task,

Yet you do it proudly everyday no matter what is asked

You have turned your baby into a beautiful young lady.

You were there for me since the very beginning and saved me countless tears

The pushy and wise advice you gave will carry me through the years.

With my every mistake or wrongful deed,

You were always there to understand.

You put no limits on my dreams or anything else I wish to do.

You never forget to say you care or that you love me too.

The smile and tears upon your face when I achieve provides me with more value

In my heart then you’d ever believe.

There is no other person that will shape my heart the way you’ve done,

Your job finished perfectly for your precious daughters and son.

We have had a rocky road through triumph and catastrophe, hard time and despair,

But not a single moment of time of not having a wonderful mother there.

You have always put in your last with love and my whole life is not enough time for me to repay you.

We always put our disagreements to the side and manage to make it through.

I know that my teen years have driven you crazy but you have guided me with assurance along the way.

You have given me comfort and certainty with every breath I take within the day.

Your little girl is growing up but your baby girl will always remain deep inside me.

There are not enough words that can thank you for everything you have helped me emotionally and physically.

I have my whole future ahead of me and you are the women that has leaded me and guided me towards the proper path.

How can one simple day prove that much thanks and love to someone who has pushed this far and still is working her way?

No other person deserves a more wonderful birthday.

- Devon

May your birthday be filled with joy and celebration!

Happy Birthday Mom!  You are forever loved!

Your loving daughter, Gayle

]]> http://gayleelgort.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/happy-birthday-mom-february-15-2010/feed/ 0 Gayle Mom http://gayleelgort.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/in-remembrance-dani-elgort-december-13-1996-december-26-2003/ http://gayleelgort.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/in-remembrance-dani-elgort-december-13-1996-december-26-2003/#comments Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:39:11 +0000 gayleelgort http://gayleelgort.wordpress.com/?p=1082 ]]> Rest in peace Dani…we love you…

Painting of Dani by Erin Varner

Type out the sentence you end up with…

Pick the month you were born:

January——-I kicked
February——I loved
March——–I karate chopped
April———-I licked
May———-I jumped on
June———- I danced with
July———–I did the Macarena With
August——–I had lunch with
September—- I sang to
October——-I smelled
November—–I yelled at
December—–I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:

1——-a birdbath
2——-a monster
3——-a phone
4——-a fork
5——-a snowman
6——-a nun
7——-my mobile phone
8——-my dog
9——-my best friend
10——-my neighbor
11——-my science teacher
12——-a banana
13——-a baseball bat
14——-a stuffed animal
15——-a goat
16——-a pickle
17——-your mom
18——-a spoon
19——-a Smurf
20——-a fireman
21——-a ninja
22——- Chuck Norris
23——-a noodle
24——-a squirrel
25——-a troll
26——-my sister
27——-my boss
28——-a homeless guy
29——-a surfer
30——-a football player
31——-a llama

What is the last number of the year you were born:

1——— in my car
2 ——– on a motorcycle
3 ——– in a hole
4 ——– under your bed
5 ——– on your car
6 ——– on a roof
7 ——– in an elevator
8——— at the dinner table
9 ——– in line at the bank
0 ——– in your bathroom

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:

White——–because I’m cool like that
Black——–because I was drinking tequila, again.
Pink———-because I’m only in it for the good times.
Red———-because the voices told me to.
Blue———because I’m sexy and I do what I want
Green——-because I think I need some serious help.
Purple——-because I’m AWESOME!
Gray———because Big Bird said to and he’s my leader.
Yellow——-because someone offered me 20 dollars
Orange —–because my I saw it on the Internet.
Brown——-because I can.
Other——–because it sounded like a good idea!
None——–because I can’t control myself!

Seven years ago, Bruce and I were considering a dog but were just not 100% sure what kind of dog we wanted or even if we were ready to commit to the responsibility of dog ownership.  In Bruce’s quest to find the perfect dog, our friend Kelly told him that her mother bred English Springer Spaniels and that they were an excellent dog to own as a pet.  We had no clue what an English Springer Spaniel was, but Kelly insured Bruce that he would fall in love with them.  To get Bruce familiarized with the breed, Kelly’s mom brought over their four dogs (Delta, Jeanie, Calvin and Duffy) for him to check out. Bruce never mentioned anything to me about seeing Kelly’s mother’s dogs nor going forward with any thing.  So for a few months things slowed down and not much happened.

Then, a few months later, Bruce showed me some puppy pictures of the breed and asked me what I thought of the puppies.  I thought they were cute, but I had my heart set on a yellow lab.  He asked me if I would like a dog like that (an English Springer).  I didn’t say “yes” or “no”…so I think he took it as a “maybe”.  I am not sure when Bruce did this, but he went out to see the litter of puppies that Jeanie (Domino’s mom) just had.  He instantly fell in love with Domino (Kaleb then).  From that point forward, there was no turning back!  We were now going to be the proud owners of a 8 week old black and white male English Springer Spaniel!

I remember vividly the day that Domino was brought home to us!  He was so little!  He had his first meal at our house, played with us for a while and then fell asleep.

The next item on the list was to name him.  We were thinking something to do with him being black and white.  Oreo was mentioned and some other names. but then I came across Domino and thought of the instant connection between black and white, domino the game piece and IBM’s Lotus Notes/Domino!  What a perfect fit!!!  It was a match made in heaven!!  But now the chore was to put together a AKC name that included Domino.  We thought long and hard on this but came up with a very clever name.  With Domino’s mother’s AKC name, CH Donahan’s Designer Jeans CD, we came up with CH Donahan Domino Designer (playing on his mother’s AKC name as well as IBM’s Lotus Notes/Domino Designer name)  Pretty neat, huh?

What would have been really neat is if back in 2002 (the year Domino – the dog) was born, that IBM Lotus Notes/Domino was in version 7, but alas, it wasn’t (it was in version 6.x)  So, I guess we can’t say that Domino was born when Lotus Notes/Domino was in version 7.x!

So here we are 7 years later with a WONDERFUL pet who has brought us so much joy and laughter into our family!  Domino now has a little sister (Bella) that he has to contend with every now and then, but I think he wouldn’t have it any other way!  But that’s another story!

Thank you Domino, for bringing us all the joy and love into our family!  We are excited to have MANY more years with you and creating unforgettable memories!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOY!  You are the best Domino Designer that anyone could ever design!  We love you so much!

Baby Domino

Domino Today