To the editor: My mom was very well known and loved in our community of West Milford. May marks the first anniversary of her passing and so I wrote a poem to commerate her life and how we ALL miss her so so very much. To Anita Coleman, April 1929 - May 2006 I can’t believe Mom, it’s been a whole year I feel your presence all around us, I know you are so near You were known by many names: Anita, Grandma Nita, Mom But they all meant love to us, your love went on and on. Mom, you had an abundance of friends, who were so dear I know they all miss you and wish you were still here You left us when you were only 77 years young Mom, with all your activities, I know you weren’t done You loved to play volleyball on Wednesday nights with the gang Country line dance on Fridays and Sunday mornings you sang Mom, you were so very active and full of great fun! We three daughters couldn’t keep up with you, always on the run Let’s not forget your aerobics every Tuesday afternoon I don’t know how you did it Mom, but you left it all too soon You even made it to most of our softball games Everyone loved you there, but now, it’s not the same Six Grandchildren here in town, total in all is seven We kept you quite busy with babysitting, you know it was a given We also kept your calendar full with all the grandkids events They meant so much more to us because of your loving presence Mom, one of your favorite places was to be by my pool side. I still find it difficult there without you, you know, I’ve tried and tried There were times we’d call you with a problem we couldn’t reckon You gave us good advice but wisely Mom, you would just listen Everyone knew you wouldn’t dare drive in the snow You were always so worried but Mom’s always know We miss your 9 a.m. calls and the 9 p.m. rings Saying “Wooooo, it’s just me,” now the silence really stings There are so many things Mom that reminds us of you Like rock candy, Keds sneakers and crocheting to name a few Your sons miss you too, in North Carolina and Colorado They miss your wisdom, your laughter, your love, Mom.., you know Tell Dad we miss him much and love him a lot too Life is so very, very different without the both of you I still can’t believe Mom, it’s been a whole year It has gone by so fast, it seems you were just here! We all love and miss you Mom so much you’ll never know Until we’re all together in heaven goodbye for now I have to go. Nancy L. Coleman Staubitz West Milford