Lynn Banis and her mother

This Memory of Mom (MoM) comes from Lynn Banis, who works as a life coach in Illinois. She told me, “Memories of my Mom mean everything to me. I would love to have others know a little of her incredible self.”

Thank you for sending your story, Lynn!

What can I say to you that has not been said, felt, cried about, clung to? I can only say again and again how much I love you.

You gave us–Rich, Bruce and me–a safe but challenging place to live and grow.

You encouraged us to pursue education and become our own persons.

You were always there with practical wisdom to help us on our way.

Your steadfast encouragement lifted us up and kept us going when the going got rough. And it did get rough.

We always knew you were there, though.

I have to laugh about the time you recognized I was not comfortable standing my own ground with my high-school peers. You said to tell them your mom wouldn’t let you–you were happy to be the scapegoat until I could grow into my own sense of self.

I have to admit, it worked so well for me I said it to my teens, too, if they needed it!

I want you to know how proud I am to be your daughter.

You were so active, inquisitive, and courageous during your youth. Who would dive off the 25-foot tower into the Lagoon at the Chicago World’s Fair but you?

You did some amazing things when you were young, and really made a name for yourself yet you never flaunted that.

Through your actions you taught us to be humble and not to expect the world to hand us anything.

We knew we had to work, and work hard to get where we wanted to be.

You are my hero. I don’t know anything that is better than that!