Wednesday, October 23, 2019
I have always thought of Jo-Ann as a grandmother. My kids even referred to her as "Grandma Jo-Ann". It was news to me that we were not as close no the family tree as I assumed we were. But that is what Jo-Ann taught me. Family is not about who sits close to you on a specific branch of the family tree, it's who you adopt as your close kin.
10 years ago Jo-Ann wanted to form a new family reunion. A reunion that tied two families to gather, The Kilgores and the Haggards amongst others, who were not necessarily on the same branch in the family tree but close in heart. Thus a new tradition was born. It was Jo-Ann's desire to bring the family together and surround herself with her kin that gave me one of the greatest joys in my life, she gave me my family.
Every October the hubby, kids and I would all look forward to attending the now annual reunion at Jo-Ann's house. With the stunning beauty of her property surrounded by those who loved one another, the family gathered there. Though these gatherings I was able to bring my boys up with a sincere appreciation for family and where they came from. They learned not only about family but history.
There is so much history imbedded in our family, it was an amazing opportunity to get to show this to my kids. Today, as they are now teens and could care less about a lot of things, they care about their heritage. It was though Jo-Ann that they in my opinion received one of the greatest history sessions they would ever learn. Additionally, I was able to see cousins that I would not see any other time, build relationships with some of my family members that are still strong today, and watch our kids grow up, get married and have kids.The October family reunion was one of the highlights of the year.
This year as preparations were being made for the annual upcoming reunion, the family was informed that Jo-Ann was not feeling well and consequently the reunion was cancelled. I know that if Jo-Ann who loved to be surrounded by her family felt that it was too much, things weren't good. I called her about 2 weeks ago to talk to her and tell her that I loved and missed her. The last words that she said to me was "I love you". They very last words that I would hear her say was, I-love-you. This was the kind of grandma Jo-Ann was to me, my kids and all who were lucky enough to be in her presence.
For this years October reunion, we gather for a different reason. We gather to celebrate the life of an amazing woman, Jo-Ann. I am better for knowing her and blessed to be apart of her family.
So, Jo-Ann, I know that you were not up to having the reunion, but you know what, we all came anyway. We came to tell you that we love you and that our family is forever better, closer and stronger because you had the vision to turn our little family tree into a family monument.
I deeply regret not being able to attend Jo-Ann's funeral as my family has taken ill, myself included. In my absence I ask you to think about what your last words on this earth would be. For Jo-Ann it was I love you. As I come to the closing of my tribute to Jo-Ann I want to tell her thank you for the gift of my family and giving me the opportunity to form relationships that will last the rest of my life.
In closing, I want to take this finally opportunity to tell Jo-Ann the last few words that I can. Through the instrument of the officiary reading this tribute, I say thank you for being my voice and allowing me to tell Jo-Ann the final words. I love you.
Thanks for listening, I love you all,
Noelle K. Moser
