For those who don't know Renee, she was a tough New York mom. When I was young and would fall and hurt myself or feign sickness to wrangle a day off school - she was quick to point out that I was not that badly hurt and not that sick and to get my ass up and get moving. Later in her life, she mellowed a great deal and she gave a lot of herself to her volunteer efforts with the Hospice group, the airport information desk, bereavement group, and served on the board of directors at her condo association. Her phone (and mine) are ringing almost constantly with well-wishers and friends who want to check on her and talk about what a difference Mom made in their lives. It has given me a new found respect and admiration for her. I hope that's how people feel about me when I am in the twilight of my life. The photo attached here is from her surprise 80th birthday party from last year. She flew out to New York and was surprised to discover Suzanne (her daughter) had secretly flown out and surprised her at the party. It was pretty moving and funny. Best day mom had in years!