Monica Riordan
I was having a hard time trying to put all my feelings into words. My mother has always been a constant in my life and now there is an emptiness. Her and I certainly had our disagreements and didn't always see eye to eye but I knew she was always there for me. She was there to help me with Bella when times were tough and I never had to worry that Bella was safe and taken care of no matter what. Her and Bella went to Church every Sunday from the time she was an infant that was their thing. My mom was tough at times and head strong but her heart was caring and kind. She went out of her way for others that needed it. She was a leader in the community from being a first responder, helping out the Boys & Girls club, to being head Usher at LNUMC for 25 years. She would give you a ride to practice, put money on your lunch account , or cheer you on from Her spot at the SCHS football games. She would show up for you sometimes when nobody could. To say that her presence will be missed is an understatement. When she was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer it was devastating. She didn't understand how it could happen to her and I guess it wasn't for us to question the why's but she never stopped fighting. I was honored to be by her side and take care of her. She was determined to beat this dease and she was winning. Unfortunately an infection invaded her body and no matter how hard she tried to regain her health it was just too much for body to overcome. She was in a trial program at Jefferson for the cancer and I truly believe that it was working and because of her bravery hopefully it will help others to beat it. I will treasure the time we had together from vacations to barbecues to Holidays that she always all out for the kids to the last months of her journey. Her (great) grandchildren were her world and that's why she fought so hard to be there for them but God had other plans for her. Now she will be their Guardian Angel to watch over them through their lives and continue to be their biggest Cheerleader. I miss her so much and don't know how to not have a mother. She is free from the pain now and with her grandparents that she loved so much too. I love you Mother! Thank you for all the lessons you taught me and I continue to learn as I see how much she impacted so many other lives. I can only try my best to follow in her footsteps and live her legacy to the fullest. Rest In Peace Memom ♡
