Here's to Mom
November 20, 2013
As some of you know, my mother, Josephine Pace passed away on September 12th this year. Not knowing what mom had was a mystery to us for all of 2012 with many exhausting doctor's appointments and no answers. It was frustrating to say the least. When we switched doctors, the diagnosis became clear. This January, she was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease).
Prior to opening Only You in 1998, I spent a year or so selling my handmade gifts at craft shows all over Long Island and every time... mom was there with me... propping up the tent, setting up the booth and telling people 'yes that's my daughter'. After opening Only You, once again she was there with me...wrapping gifts, favors and even assembling intricate invitations. The customers who knew her, knew that she liked to stay in the background of the store but somehow she became involved because she really liked the customers - and they loved her. Besides being an incredible cook, she had a real talent to wrap gifts but would never admit it to herself nor did she even realize it. Her support for my business and desire to see me become a success was so strong that I keep it with me everyday. I'll never want to let her down. I will, however, miss being able to show her new designs and projects that she always got so excited about. She was my biggest fan, as I am hers. 'Yes, that's my mother.'
Prior to opening Only You in 1998, I spent a year or so selling my handmade gifts at craft shows all over Long Island and every time... mom was there with me... propping up the tent, setting up the booth and telling people 'yes that's my daughter'. After opening Only You, once again she was there with me...wrapping gifts, favors and even assembling intricate invitations. The customers who knew her, knew that she liked to stay in the background of the store but somehow she became involved because she really liked the customers - and they loved her. Besides being an incredible cook, she had a real talent to wrap gifts but would never admit it to herself nor did she even realize it. Her support for my business and desire to see me become a success was so strong that I keep it with me everyday. I'll never want to let her down. I will, however, miss being able to show her new designs and projects that she always got so excited about. She was my biggest fan, as I am hers. 'Yes, that's my mother.'
