I have had the blessing of knowing Natalie for about 35 years. When I first met her, as the mom to my friends Donna, Doreen and Tommy, she was a single, working mom who kept food on the table, a roof over the family's head and made sure her kids had everything they needed, including vacations at the beach. Natalie could do all of this because she was a tough cookie and believed in the value of her family. She was like a second mom to me. I loved how direct she often was. She never beat around the bush, leaving you guessing. Nat said what her heart said, pure honesty. I loved how she laughed and she always could hold a conversation. Her opinions were often funny but on target. Natalie adored her children and grandchildren, not to mention her pets, especially Charlie and Pickles. They were good company but she was a good pet mom too.
Natalie dealt with the most difficult thing imaginable--losing two of her precious children, Tommy and Donna. I told her that nobody could imagine what she's been through. Few are ever called to face such valleys of difficulty. I know she shared the belief, with me, that we'll see them on the other side, but it still hurts tremendously to lose them.
Natalie never complained about her own physical pain or suffering. I'm especially proud how she gave up cigarettes--such a tough thing to do.
Whenever I was in San Bernardino I made a point to visit her. As I told her daughter Doreen, she was the only friend I had who was a mother to my friends. She was my friend too, along with her kids. Natalie was original and unique and unforgettable. I shall never forget her. When my time comes too, I look forward to seeing her in heaven. In the meantime I'm going to miss her an awful lot. Our last conversation was two weeks ago. It was just like old times. We talked for an hour on the phone and had fun, just sharing.
I'm also very proud how Doreen, the middle child, stepped up to the plate and helped Natalie, unselfishly, during the last couple of years when she wasn't well. I've watched Doreen grow as a person in helping her mom. I told her that this was a gift from her mom, her own growth as a person.
Our world is different without Natalie. The whole world sparkles less now that she's passed on. I'll miss the sparkle of her eye. She will always be a part of my heart--forever. She was a blessing in my life.
I love you Natalie,
Jahn ##imported-begin##Jahn Farrington##imported-end##
