Meta
I met Meta a little over ten years ago at the local YMCA. We took water aerobics classes together, and got to know one another while bobbing up and down and breaking a sweat while swimming. She, and another awesome lady, Evelyn, became the ladies I looked forward to seeing most at the water aerobics classes every week. They saw me through my first pregnancy, offering jokes and advice and then through my second pregnancy, laughing at the sheer absurdity of my size and the fact that I was having twins.
Through our conversations, we realized that we had Masonic affiliation in common with one another. I wrote about my experience with the Masonic community back in 2012 - and it was inspired in part by Meta and Evelyn. They convinced me to join their local chapter, and through that I was introduced to a wonderful group of sweet, caring, interesting people.
Meta, especially, was always happy to see me.
She'd get a big smile on her face, give me a little hug and ask about my kids.
I took Thomas over more than a few times to see her farm, and to check out her animals. She always had a treat for him.
Once the twins were born, visiting became more of a challenge, but I still managed to stop by a few times with all of them in tow.
This is Meta in July of 2013 holding Quinn.
She got a kick out the twins, and told me every time I saw her that I was a good mom.
Meta's small kindness, in expressing interest in me and my children, made a difference in my life.
Her and Evelyn acted as surrogate grandmothers to me for years, and for that I am very grateful. They helped to fill the hole that was created when my grandmother passed away in 2000. I told them often that they reminded me of her, and that I was happy I got to spend time with them.
Upon hearing of Meta's passing, I became wistful, as I had thought of her over the last week and made a note in my book (I have a book that I write everything down in) to give her a call and check in to see how she was doing. I hadn't gotten to that item on my list yet...and now it is too late.
I'm glad I was able to say goodbye to her this evening.
Thank you, Meta, for your kindness and friendship.