We pause to remember the daughters in our circle who have recently experienced the loss of their mothers………For all of our Mothers who have transitioned before us………WE REMEMBER!
"I'm convinced the reason we are here is to remember, if we understand the memory to be that uniquely human ability to create from the past a sense of meaning in the present and a trembling anticipation of possibility for the future." ~ Elizabeth Harper Neeld, 1990.
It's extremely hard to believe the end of the year is already here. I feel extremely blessed to have completed my first year of mothering two small children; what a wonderful journey this has been. I remain grateful and appreciative of my parents (especially my mother) who raised seven children! As the Remembering Mom Foundation continues to blossom – serving the needs of women across the streets of Dallas/Fort Worth as well as other U.S. cities, I am grateful for all of you who have supported our organization both directly and indirectly. We appreciate having the opportunity to acknowledge and support women who have experienced the death of their mother. ~ Regina Franklin-Basye, Founder
Remembering the wonderful events and opportunities that the Remembering Mom Foundation experienced during 2008:
The Fifth Annual Remembering Mom Luncheon Celebration was held on Saturday, May 12th at the Historic Melrose Hotel in the Turtle Creek area of Dallas. Women gathered to celebrate wonderful memories of Mom, while having an opportunity to take advantage of meeting new friends, remembering former Mother's Day Celebrations with Mom, and enjoying our silent auction and wonderful door prize drawings. Good Morning Texas co-host, Brenda Teele Jackson was the featured speaker. Ms. Jackson presented a moving reflection of great memories about her mother. She was especially proud of having an opportunity to verbally acknowledge her mother's absence – a first for her in the fourteen years since her mother's passing.
Annual Remembering Mom Grief Recovery Seminar
Our 4thAnnual Grief Recovery Seminar was held on Saturday, September 13th at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. Rev. Marilyn Dickson was the facilitator, who led moving discussions and a powerful presentation on grief and loss. The theme of our seminar, "Framing the Memory of our Mothers; Who Am I In her Absence" was a great day for all who participated.
2008 Remembering Mom Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations to Kayla Torregano of Lewisville, TX for being the recipient of the 3rd Annual Remembering Mom Scholarship Award. The Remembering Mom Foundation awarded Katrina a $1,000 award during the 5th Annual Remembering Mom Luncheon Celebration on Saturday, May 12th at the Melrose Hotel. Katrina read a powerful and moving essay about the importance of attending and completing her college degree in the absence of her mother. Katrina is a Freshman at Texas Woman's University, Denton, TXmajoring in Communication Science & Disorders. Kayla plans to also complete her Master's Degree at TWU with her degree in Deaf Education. Because her mother was deaf, Kayla wants to become educated in this field, and to be able to help others with communicative disorders. We are extremely proud of Kayla for her collegiate endeavors, and wish her well on the TWU Campus .
VISIONS – WOMEN'S EXPO – Sponsored by NBC5
Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24th our organization sponsored a booth at Vision's the Women's Expo, held at the Dallas Apparel Mart. We had a wonderful time sharing the great news about our organization to women who attended this annual event of networking, shopping, sharing of resources and a time of special female bonding.
Members of our Board of Directors and other Remembering Mom Volunteers were on hand for this three day event, explaining the many details and services of our organization. There were many women who stopped by our booth to inquire about our services. Most women were able to enjoy memories of their mothers as they stopped by our booth, sharing reflections of their mother' s lives. Approximately 75 women signed up for "more information". We were elated to follow up with each one individually, and having future opportunities to keep in touch with them. Thanks to Amy Preston, Christine Maxwell, and all the volunteers who made this event such a success.
Macy's Shop For A Cause
Macy's Department Store recently held their "Shop For A Cause" Event, while department store guests were invited to support non-profits across the country, selling guest passes" for a nominal fee ($5 per ticket), allowing guests to shop at any of their stores, while taking 20% off merchandise for that day. A hearty THANK YOU TO ANNETTEE SEARS, Co-Chair of our 6th Annual Remembering Mom Luncheon Celebration for taking on this challenge to organize this event for our organization. We were very successful with our endeavors, while raising nearly $500 for our organization. Thanks also to everyone who purchased and/or sold tickets, and for "shopping till you dropped".
Great News: Powerful Woman Award
Audrey Riser and other board members nominated the Remembering Mom Founder , Regina for the Pine Sol/ABC Radio "Powerful Difference Awards Contest" earlier this year. Over 475 entries were submitted for this award. Pine Sol and ABC Radio Network presented "certificates of appreciation" for a select few, while Teresa Burns, founder of the GAP Community Development Resources, offering home-ownership education to low and moderate-income families. Ms. Burns received $10,000 for her organization. Regina's certificate of appreciation was presented to her during an appreciation dinner on Sat. June, 20th.
SAVE THE DATE!!!!6th Annual Remembering Mom Luncheon Celebration – Saturday, May 9, 2009 at the Omni Hotel, Dallas, Texas
Key Note Speaker: Jami Garrison, Founder, "Mother's Halo" - Glendale, Arizona
Jami Garrison lost her mom at the age of 16. Just a junior in high school, she sat at the bedside of her 46 year old mother as she drew her last breath. Jami would spend the next 17 years trying to find a way to ease the grief that had shaped her young life and to share her mother with the world. Then in 1998 she discovered the Internet and a way to reach out to millions. She began the Mom's Halo website as a memorial to her mother, but that soon turned into a forum and small online community for sharing stories about mother loss and offering hope to the bereaved.
Registration Deadline for the Remembering Mom Scholarship Award is April 15, 2009
For luncheon information, or to volunteer on the Luncheon Planning Committee, please contact Christine Maxwell-Hart at Christine@Rememberingmom.org, or Annette Sears-Hutcherson (co-chair) at Annette@Rememberingmom.org
Support Group Dates
Support Group for women who have experienced the death of a mother.
Saturday, January 17, 2009 (10:00 – Noon at Lovers Lane Church, Dallas)
Saturday, April 12, 2009 (10:00 – Noon at Lovers Lane Church, Dallas)
Saturday, July 12, 2009 (10:00 – Noon at Lovers Lane Church, Dallas)
Saturday, October 11, 2009 (10:00 – Noon at Lovers Lane Church, Dallas)
When you've lost a loved one, the holiday season can be a painful reminder of the terrible loss you are feeling. The first few years are perhaps the most difficult, but even years later, the holidays may lack the joy they once had for you. There are steps you can take to help give the holidays a new meaning. The holidays can become a time of peace and reflection; a time to cherish the gift your loved one has been and continues to be in the life of you and your family. Here are a few ideas that may help you begin the journey.
Be patient and realistic. Sometimes our own high expectations of the holidays make the pain and frustration more acute. Remember that you are grieving. Be kind and gentle with yourself, and realistic about what you expect.
Listen to your heart and acknowledge your limits. Spend some quiet time before the rush of the holidays listening to your heart. Become aware of your needs and express them to family members and friends with whom you plan to spend the holidays. Encourage others to share their feelings, too, so that everyone affected by the death of your loved one has had an opportunity to express his or her wishes about holiday plans……Also, remember it is OK to say no!
Adapt cherished traditions. When loss an grief overwhelm us during the holidays, we are sometimes tempted to scrap the whole thing, to do absolutely nothing. But you can keep traditions alive in ways that make sense given the new reality of your life.. Continue eating dinner together as a family – alter the tradition by eating in a different location, or purchase a gift you would've otherwise given your mother and present to someone else who may not otherwise receive a gift. Hanging a stocking by the fireplace, or placing a wreath on the grave is also a great new tradition to start.
Allow the tears to come, but look for JOY amidst the pain. As you unpack and sift through holiday decorations, understand that along with the warm, loving memories, you will be unpacking some heartaches as well. Don't deny yourself the gift of healing tears. Care Notes – By Darcie D. Sims
As we're all aware, the economy has affected the way in which we spend our disposable income. While it becomes necessary to "reduce budgets to improve bottom lines", one fact remains true: grief and loss continue; death does not operate on our timetable. We would certainly appreciate your consideration of a tax-deductible donation before the end of the year. Our financial needs are increasing, as we continue serving the needs of women in our community and in other U.S. cities. Please feel free to make your end of year tax-free donations to:
Remembering Mom: The Barbara Franklin Foundation P.O. Box 670161 Dallas, TX 75367-0161 OR Donate online today...
From our 2008 Board of Directors:
Wendy Abel, Chair of Grants & Fundraising Regina Franklin-Basye, Founder & President
Pat Davis, Chair of Condolences Karen Dixon, Secretary
Jame Frey, Treasurer
Amy Preston, Vice President & Chair of Public Relations Audrey Riser, Chair of Membership Rev. Marjorie Hamilton-Scott, Chaplain
Listen to Regina Franklin-Basye
Radio Interview - Press Play
Congratulations to Kayla Torregano of Lewisville, TX for being the recipient of the 3rd Annual Remembering Mom Scholarship Award. The Remembering Mom Foundation awarded Katrina a $1,000 award during the 5th Annual Remembering Mom Luncheon Celebration on Saturday, May 12th at the Melrose Hotel. Katrina read a powerful and moving essay about the importance of attending and completing her college degree in the absence of her mother. Katrina is a Freshman at Texas Woman's University, Denton, TXmajoring in Communication Science & Disorders. Kayla plans to also complete her Master's Degree at TWU with her degree in Deaf Education. Because her mother was deaf, Kayla wants to become educated in this field, and to be able to help others with communicative disorders. We are extremely proud of Kayla for her collegiate endeavors, and wish her well on the TWU Campus .
