I love that you had a Joanne who sprinkled your ice cream and your life with color. I had a Joanne too, her name was Isabel and she would give me a hug every time she saw me, and when I sat at her table before school, drinking my can of SlimFast, she said, "Oh honey, you are a growing girl, you need more than that." Isabel, who also died several years ago, was my model for mothering my children. I don't think she ever knew that, but I hope she does now. 💜
Oh my, Isabel… Thank goodness you had an Isabel. My heart just grew. How amazing that we both were able to have these people in our lives. And I do think she knows how impactful she was. You can’t be that magical and not. Thank you for sharing her with me, Molly. Love to you❤️
I hope many more unloved children find a wonderful and loving ‘acquired’ mother like Joanne, who shows them real love as she did you… A beautiful tribute to the mother you deserved , Abbey 🤍
I love you. Thank you for this. And I wish the same thing. It’s funny how at the time I never realized she was mothering me until I learned what a mother truly was. I’m so grateful❤️
Such a gift, Abbey. Of course, she’s coming in to say hi and keeping things “warmed up” as she did each and every time you were with her. You knew to go towards that which felt safe, warm, and where you belonged. Do you recall her house number? I’ll bet she might come in with numbers too? Simply a thought that popped in.
Such a loving read. My gratitude, and oh, the pictures. 💜☺️
You’re so right. We all need a JoAnne. We can all be someone else’s JoAnne too. That’s what she taught me. So maybe you’re someone else’s and you don’t even know it❤️
This is a gorgeous tribute. I related to this profoundly, as I had a 'mom' like Joanne! We called her Miss Eddie. She saved me in so many ways. I am glad to read and know that you had her to soften your life, and I am saddened to think how you felt at home, that's a feeling no one wishes on anyone. Big hug to you, can't wait to read more from you. 💕
Oh my. Miss Eddie!!!! Goodness this warms my heart. I just got goosebumps. I’m so happy you had her. And I’m hugging you right back. How special we share these ‘mothers’. Love to you, Sue Ellen❤️
What a lovely tribute! Cheers to Joanne. She sounds like an angel. I'm so happy she was a part of your life. Hold her love close, next to your heart, and she'll live there forever. :)
What a beautiful tribute! It makes me hope that someone in her life made Joanne feel as special as she made everyone else around her feel. So glad she was an angel in your life.
Oh, what a beautiful thought, Leslie! I wonder that now, too. It could go either way, I suppose. Some people are so magically present and giving because it’s what they know. And some are that way because they yearned for it themselves for so long.
Thank you for reading and for always making me think a little deeper than I was before. You’re a beautiful human.
So much heart for Joanne!!! ❤️ another beautiful piece, Abbey.
Thank you, Stephanie. So much love to you, sister❤️
I love that you had a Joanne who sprinkled your ice cream and your life with color. I had a Joanne too, her name was Isabel and she would give me a hug every time she saw me, and when I sat at her table before school, drinking my can of SlimFast, she said, "Oh honey, you are a growing girl, you need more than that." Isabel, who also died several years ago, was my model for mothering my children. I don't think she ever knew that, but I hope she does now. 💜
Oh my, Isabel… Thank goodness you had an Isabel. My heart just grew. How amazing that we both were able to have these people in our lives. And I do think she knows how impactful she was. You can’t be that magical and not. Thank you for sharing her with me, Molly. Love to you❤️
I’m so glad you had Joanne in your life. We all need someone to mother us, even if it isn’t our own mother.
Awww thank you, Yvonne. I’m glad too. And you’re exactly right… we all should feel mothered in our lives❤️
I hope many more unloved children find a wonderful and loving ‘acquired’ mother like Joanne, who shows them real love as she did you… A beautiful tribute to the mother you deserved , Abbey 🤍
I love you. Thank you for this. And I wish the same thing. It’s funny how at the time I never realized she was mothering me until I learned what a mother truly was. I’m so grateful❤️
Wonderful story we need many Joanne’s right now so much love I can feel it myself .
Thank You
Awww thank you, Teddi. And we do. She was the greatest gift. Still is. Happy I get to share her with you❤️
I love these magical family friends. What a beautiful tribute. ❤️🫶🏻
Thank you, Elaine! She was just so special. She deserves more people to know about her❤️
Such a gift, Abbey. Of course, she’s coming in to say hi and keeping things “warmed up” as she did each and every time you were with her. You knew to go towards that which felt safe, warm, and where you belonged. Do you recall her house number? I’ll bet she might come in with numbers too? Simply a thought that popped in.
Such a loving read. My gratitude, and oh, the pictures. 💜☺️
520!! Her house number was 520. I have never once thought to recall that. Wow. Thank you, Joanie. So much ❤️
Lovely piece Abbles
Thanks Chapples❤️
JoAnne sounds like one of those incredible, one in a million people who leave an impression which lasts a lifetime. You were lucky to know her 😊
This is very kind, Ben. Thank you. And you’re exactly right❤️
This is wonderfully written and a must read for anyone who had a mentor, secondary parent or imperfect primary parents. Perfect read for Father’s Day.
Awww this is so kind of you. Thank you very much❤️
I'm so glad you had Joanne in your life. The world needs more Joannes! (I could still use one!)
You’re so right. We all need a JoAnne. We can all be someone else’s JoAnne too. That’s what she taught me. So maybe you’re someone else’s and you don’t even know it❤️
Well, that's a lovely thought. I feel like I'm too exhausted to be as thoughtful as Joanne, but I do give good hugs... ❤️
Hey, good hugs are very special!!
This is a gorgeous tribute. I related to this profoundly, as I had a 'mom' like Joanne! We called her Miss Eddie. She saved me in so many ways. I am glad to read and know that you had her to soften your life, and I am saddened to think how you felt at home, that's a feeling no one wishes on anyone. Big hug to you, can't wait to read more from you. 💕
Oh my. Miss Eddie!!!! Goodness this warms my heart. I just got goosebumps. I’m so happy you had her. And I’m hugging you right back. How special we share these ‘mothers’. Love to you, Sue Ellen❤️
So beautiful, thank you for sharing! I love JoAnne!
Thank you. She’s a good one to love❤️
What a lovely tribute! Cheers to Joanne. She sounds like an angel. I'm so happy she was a part of your life. Hold her love close, next to your heart, and she'll live there forever. :)
Awww what a lovely comment, Rachel!! She is very closely held. Always will be. Thank you ❤️
This touched me deeply. Thank you.
Aw. Thank you, Mike. I’m so glad you shared that with me
What a beautiful tribute! It makes me hope that someone in her life made Joanne feel as special as she made everyone else around her feel. So glad she was an angel in your life.
Oh, what a beautiful thought, Leslie! I wonder that now, too. It could go either way, I suppose. Some people are so magically present and giving because it’s what they know. And some are that way because they yearned for it themselves for so long.
Thank you for reading and for always making me think a little deeper than I was before. You’re a beautiful human.