She would always hug me and say "we're just like mutt and jeff"

My mom and I were opposite in everyway. 

Shw was a straight-laced conservative; non-drinker; community activist; homebody more happy at home watching knowledge network than being a socialite; a great friend notorious for strong friendships and hosting giant dinner parties (again, at home). I was was into the 'arts.' 

My mother cared for people in need, visiting or cooking or baking (including taking in and looking after Willy, a logger she met in the 60's who ended up living in our basement for 26 years because he had no place to go). She truly had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met.     

She was a passionate woman, believing individuals should both have perspective and actively voice and support them at all times. She held herself to a high standard and held others to the same standard. She was a true socialist (the system should pay for everything!), cut people off when they tried to argue with her 'my way or the highway' approach. In short, she was a strong, independent and striking woman.  

You either loved her or hated her (and for me it was often both at the same time), but despite her ways she was respected because her causes in life were community driven and about people - saving parks, changing road signs, politically driven and motivated, etc. She was committed to making a better world for those around her. 

I was a creative type...

A movie making, world travelling, impulsive daughter with no established roots and never knew nor planned what came next.  

From the time I was a teenager we fought all the time. In fact, one of the reasons I knew something was wrong with my mom was because she ceased arguing. She also bought over some cheap steaks, and my mom never bought cheap steaks - I knew something was wrong then.

In essence we totally drove each other crazy and loved each other deeply. 

My mom would have done anything for me. Upon her A/D diagnosis, many around me including friends and family voiced prospects of institutionalizing her. Rather, I moved her in with me and hired a nanny - an thus began this long journey...

 *This photo was taken at my 35th birthday party in 2008, just 4 months after the A/D diagnosis. I was upset because she had driven to the wrong venue and I was bracing myself for what was to come. Note the champers! ;-)