Bonnie Sue Husted - Online Memorial Website

EULOGY FOR MY MOTHER

Even though I am standing up here alone, I speak for myself and my father in what I am about to share with everyone gathered here today.

I would like to start out with a quote by Albert Pike.

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

You can’t choose your family.  The family you are born into is the outcome of some cosmic lottery.  And for the most part, the odds aren’t that great.  Fortunately for me, I won the jackpot.  I have a wonderful father and mother.  Unfortunately, my mother is no longer with us in this physical world.  She has moved on to a better place, wherever that might be.  She was a strong woman, living her life with courage.  She was a devoted wife, married to her husband for 43 years.  She was a caring mother, nurturing me and raising me with principle and honor.  But most importantly, my mother was a kind and gentle human being loved by everybody here today.  She made everybody feel comfortable around her.  Friends, family, co-workers, even strangers. Everybody.

Being her only child, I was often spoiled by her generosity.  The irony was that being spoiled by her love made me a more grateful and down to Earth human being in every facet of my life.  She taught me so many things.  And she always had time to help her friends and family.

She loved traveling with dad, and if the trip was to see me in any of the far away places that I lived, she was even happier.  I know that I especially loved to show both her and my dad around whenever they would visit me.  I think my favorite places that we went together were Vizcaya in Miami and Napa Valley near San Francisco.  I know dad will tell you that her favorite place to visit was the Ozarks though.  She never tired of going there, seeing the shows and eating at her favorite places. 

Bonnie was born and raised right here in the Quad Cities.  But when she met my father, I think her life really became complete.  They had me 41 years ago and I became one of the biggest sources of pride for them.  Life was not easy for them when they got married.  Dad was working then for what is now considered very little money.  If we were lucky we could go to the drive in movie once in awhile.  Even so, mom always found ways to provide things for me.  I don’t know how she did it, but I think that she must have sacrificed getting things for herself.  She was always good to me that way, the way that only a loving mother can be. 

I know that she gave so much to my dad too.  She gave him so many fond experiences and memories in life.  She gave him one wonderful child.  She gave him her unconditional love and support when times got tough.  She took care of him when he started to have health problems.  And she never hesitated to offer her help to him. 

She was his rock, his travel partner, his companion, his soulmate, his best friend and his one true love.  I know that when they got married and said their vows, they meant the “til death do us part” promise.  But we all thought that it would be much longer until they were apart.  The last time I can remember them being apart for more than a few hours was when she let him go on a fishing trip to Canada with me for a week.  That was over 15 years ago and I will always thank her for that…

Mom, as I got older, you became less of a mother and more of a friend.  We had a great relationship.  We talked on the telephone once a week or as often as I could call.  But God had different plans for you than anyone had imagined and I know that you are gone for a reason.  I will miss hearing you laugh.  I will miss your generosity and spirit.  I will miss your love, friendship and guidance.  But most of all I will miss you, my mother.  I love you mom.  Thank you for everything.  You have enriched my life beyond measure and the souls of all who knew you…

With All My Love,

Chuck Jr.