Friday, August 23, 2019
Dear Mom, February 2003
So I write the next in my series of “Ned Divine” letters, in time for your Birthday for reasons I will explain.
Rosemary, my mother-in-law, mother, and friend, I wish more people had relationships with their mother-in–laws like I do.
You are a very special person of so many talents and abilities.
You are a creator, of Christmas cookies, and of the softest blankets, (I think most people in the tri-state area with babies have one of them), because handmade is heart made.
You are a thinker, lover of NY Times Crosswords, and we wonder what you did before the internet, to become enraged daily by the press and politicians, and send out a mass of emails to congress, giving them a piece of your mind. I will never forget the first time you came to stay with us when Dad was on a golf trip. You were cleaning up some thing downstairs and as I was walking by, you were commenting, “You’re right, Rush, you’re right.” I had thought you had lost it, not realizing you were listening to talk radio on your walk man at the time.
You are the keeper of “family traditions” or the keeper of “family” and “Traditions”.
Family- Six children- we are still amazed that you raised six kids before the existence of Price Club and Costco. It would have been so much easier to by TP in bulk for Louis. Dad would not have to keep a private stash. I have really enjoyed knowing your children and their families. Really they are a tremendous group, fun, loving, successful, and though all the good-natured ribbing of each other they understand the fundamental meaning of family. Then you have fifteen grandchildren, whom you love dearly and completely. Acknowledging each ones individual talents and personalities. Loving them no matter how many times they’ve knocked over some photo, clock, knick-knack, or over wound the music box. Whatever it was, it was clearly the parent’s fault.
I consider you the Santa Claus of Birthdays. You understand the importance of feeling special on your birthday. You make people feel special on most other days as well. But you corner the market on Birthdays. Dad, 12 children, 15 grandchildren, countless other extended family and friends, somehow you manage to keep track of them all. And each Birthday to be done properly, needs a cake, a song, a gift, candles, dinner or outing of some kind, and 4 or more family members.
The family tradition comes in with Grandma Jean, who I know holds a special place in your heart. She was a wise woman who told it like it was and was jam-packed with traditions. Cream puffs, ribbons in cars, worrying, New Year’s bells, crochet, chocolate pudding, “up-the lake”, and Christmas Eve Dinner. All of which weave the colorful fabric of your family and friends. Although it is time to pass on the traditions to the next generation, especially the worrying part. You have such empathy for people and situations that I hope my kids develop the same trait. You stand by and support your family and friends though the best times and the toughest. I know Nick would not be the person he is today without you. You are very generous with your energy and time. You two have a busier calendar than I do. At this time, the freedom to be surrounded by your family and friends is a blessing. Thank you for all the worrying you undertook for us. You have a difficult job and you handle it effortlessly. Thank you for being a wonderful “mother”, grandmother, and exceptional person. Happy Birthday!
Much Love & Affection
Caren Cusano
