In a moment of despair, my mother Anna made a decision in the afternoon of January 1, 2007 that took her life. In moments of desperation, hopelessness, and feelings of shame and embarrassment, my mother ingested her prescription medication that resulted in her going into a coma and ultimately her death on January 5, 2007. Although she left behind a 6-page letter to me, the only thing I believe is truly important is the first sentence: To my Vicki, I hope God forgives me.  I will never know what stage she was in at the time of writing that, but obviously God was on her mind.

My mother became a Christian in 1985, and although she had a tough time staying 'on course', she always would go to God for guidance and direction and attempt to get back on course.  believe God did forgive her, knew her hurts, and that her decision was done in unclear and unstable thinking. I do believe she is in Heaven and in a much better place and FINALLY healed and whole.Below is the eulogy that I shared from the services that took place at Norman Dean Funeral Home in Denville, NJ. On January 9, 2007 we celebrated the home-going of Anna Lauria Frusco; mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend and at times counselor. I say celebrate because not only did we honor the special memories and cheerful times of my mother, Anna, but also the fact that she has gone to a place that she will call home forever. Heaven.

Going home to be with Jesus is something to sing about, something to dance about, and something that should bring us joy. And although we will miss her presence, yearn to hear her voice and to hear her contagious laughter (followed by uncontrollable snorting), we can rest and have peace knowing that Anna is healed, healthy and whole --- Anna is in jubilation and celebrating in a way we can't begin to imagine. And, that is something to celebrate.

We began the memorial with Dorothy, one of my mother's many sisters, who shared what kind of heart my mother desired, with a song; followed by my aunt Gloria, my mother's youngest sister who shared fun snip-its; then Jon, my father imparted some of her early years; followed by my cousin Michael, my mother's nephew who is chatted about summer fun. Following Michael was my aunt Linda, yet another one of my mother's sisters who shared a letter. My niece Alyssa, my mother's most favorite granddaughter revealed the love she had for her grandmother, 'Nanna'. We brought the ceremony to a close as I shared a few words and ended rejoicing, as that is what would have brought joy to my mother. There were tears and laughter, but we knew that at the end of the day, Anna is delighting in her new life in Heaven.

My father, Jon recalled what he remembered most about my mother: "I remember Anna's smile and contagious laugh, so I thought this poem by an unknown author might be something she would have enjoyed being read at this memorial".

After Glow

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways.

Of happy times, and laughing times, and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun. 

Of happy memories that I leave --- when life is done.

Through the years we laughed and shared many tears together. There were silly sayings and hysterical misunderstandings, I think that is how my whole family is and know they can identify with that. We all have likes and dislikes. My mother had loves and hates. She hated to food shop, hated to cook and at times hated to think. She loved God, loved her granddaughter and grandson and loved time with family. She especially enjoyed talking to her granddaughter Alyssa. She got great pleasure in receiving Alyssa's voice-mail messages because she could listen to them over and over and over. I enjoyed this past year specifically as my mother met her grandson, Jack, her favorite grandson. While she was visiting on vacation, I remember the first morning of her visit: When she awoke I had the video camera ready and when Jack greeted her, it was truly a Kodak moment, a moment that was caught on tape. Tears of joy streamed down my mother's face as Jack embraced her. There was an immediate connection and they hugged and giggled all morning. They became inseparable over the next 2 weeks.

I can go on and on about all the attention-grabbing and thrilling joys of my mother, but so many good points have been mentioned. I would like to share with you a life changing decision that my mother made that was the turning point of her life --- this decision I am speaking of truly impacted her forever. Forever. That is eternity. That decision was accepting Jesus in her heart, as her savior. That may sound a bit deep for some folks and you may be thinking to yourself "Oh my gosh, did Vicki say JESUS again???"  Jesus isn't just to be talked about at church or only at weddings and funerals but to be talked about just like we would everything else. My mother's choice to accept Jesus in her life was truly the most important decision she made --- it is a life changing decision that is affecting the rest of her life. For that I have peace and tranquility in her passing away ---for one day we will be together again and meet up in Heaven.

As we bid farewell to Anna Lauria, let's all stand together and express joy in my mother's new life and give praise to God. (played Hallelujah Praise by CeCe Winans)

Mom, thank you. I will always love you. Goodbye for now.

http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Hallelujah_Praise/10024666