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***Warning: This is not a funny post, if you are looking for a laugh, please come back tomorrow.*** Today is the anniversary of the worst day of my life. Eight years ago today, my mother was killed. Now my mother was my best friend. Whenever I needed advice or someone to talk to, she was the person I called. I probably talked to her 5-6 times a day. She lived in New York and I lived in Connecticut so it got expensive. This was in the days before unlimited calling so my relationship with my mother cost quite a bit. But it was totally worth it. I completely respected my mother’s opinion. I could ask her about nearly anything and she had an answer. Someone of a different religion lost a loved one, what do I do? I am having a dinner party, what do you think of this menu? Libby is having weird symptoms, does she need to go to the doctor? My father was my first choice of advice for the business world, but my mother had everything else covered. She was the best cook I have ever met. She didn’t bake, but she could cook like nobody’s business. While she did have the occasional disaster (what cook doesn’t), most of what she made was awesome. She was also totally dedicated to Libby (Libby called her Mee Ma). My father died a year before Libby was born. It was a tough year for my mom, but Libby really seemed to pull her out of it. She was looking forward to living. She used to take off from work one day a week to come up to watch Libby while I worked. I tried to schedule my meetings on these days because she was totally the only person I could count on to show up and I trusted her with the most important thing in my life (my Libby). On January 6, 2001, my life changed forever. Most people remember 2001 for September 11th. By that time, I had already learned that the worst can happen and there is nothing you can do about it. I wasn’t as alarmed by the terrorist attacks because I had already lived through my own bad dream. We were planning to move, so Frank and I had gone out looking at houses a few towns away. We returned home because we were scheduled to attend a birthday party. As we pulled into the road, there were ambulances, police cars and pedestrians everywhere. In addition, there was a pickup truck with an attached snow plow parked in the middle of the street. I jumped out of the car to find out what had happened. Libby and my mom had been run over by the snow plow. The ambulance took Libby and I to the hospital and she was thoroughly checked. She had only one small single scratch. The police believe my mom used her body to protect Libby from the weight of the truck. My mother wasn’t as lucky. Her chest had been crushed and her back had been broken. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. Eight years ago today, I learned that the worst can absolutely happen to me. I also learned that the sentence for vehicular homicide is less than the sentence for possession of marijuana. That’s right, the man who killed her got a sentence of 3 months and only served 30 days. He had absolutely no regret except for how it would affect his family. Because of his lack of remorse, the court-ordered social worker recommended the maximum sentence. That was the 30 days in prison. In fact, he was here illegally and didn’t even get deported. Here is a photo of Libby and Mee Ma.
Mom, we miss you every single day. If you have stayed with me this far, don’t worry. Small Town Mommy will be back tomorrow as usual, with the minutia and fun that you have learned to expect.
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Posted on 05:31, January 6th, 2009 by 
Posted in 
Oh, I’m so sorry. Your story made me feel sick. What a terrible trauma to have lost your mother this way and to have the burden of knowing the man who did it was sentenced to just a month. I cannot even pretend to imagine your pain.
I cannot even imagine… I’m sorry you had to go through this and that you lost your mother. What a wonderful relationship you had with her. Hugs to you and your family.
I am so very, very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I cannot imagine how hard that must be.
Blessings,
Jane
Your Mom was a Hero. I am sorry you had to experience such an awful tragedy. It is humbling to all of us, when we hear and or experience these things. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family today and every January 6.
I’m in tears. I’m so sorry you had to suffer that loss. Your mom was amazing. *hugs*
I’m so sorry you had to go through this and that you are missing her so much.
Hugs
sorry to hear about your mother… God will bless her in heaven for being there for you, and for protecting Libby…
I’m so sorry that you had to go through this. And for the guy to only get a month in jail. That is so not right. My thoughts are with you on this day.
i can’t imagine what you have gone thru… i just hope that the memories of your mother bring you peace, love and fulfillment. i was here in redding when this happened and i do remember someone telling me about your tragedy years and years ago. this should be a day of celebration. a celebration of the wonderful woman that was your mother! she has raised a beautiful daughter and grand daughters who will keep the memory of her alive. she truly is resting in peace knowing that libby was not hurt.
Oh Anne, I’m so sorry. What a terrible tragedy. Sending hugs your way.
Elle
wow. What an amazing story.
I am in the midst of losing my mother and I know how hard it is.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I can imagine how devastating that must be, my mom is my best friend too.
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. What a hero she was to save Libby. She would be so proud of the Mom that you are. I am so sorry for the injustice of it all. Sending my love to you and your family today.
On an insignificant note- I gave you awards today. HUGS
I can totally understand your indignation about such a short sentence. It doesn’t seem fair.
It’s terrible you lost your mother that way, but she sounds like an absolutely miraculous person: she gave her life to save your daughter’s.
Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. This is so heartbreaking. Your mom was a hero in that the last act she did on Earth was to protect your daughter. My heart just goes out to you. I send loads and loads of hugs to you…
I’m so sorry for you loss.
I am very sorry for your loss. Your post made my eyes leaky.
Oh sweetie. I’m so so sorry. Hugs and prayers. This is such a powerful post – I’m hurting for your loss.
I am so sorry- what a horrendous way to lose her. You are in my prayers, sweetie!
I am so sorry- what a horrendous way to lose her. You are in my prayers, sweetie!
Yes, Anne, there is nothing about that day in 2001 that I can ever forget. I remember exactly where I was when Frank called and I will never, ever forget how terrible your and our loss has been. Your Mom was a guiding light for me. I also think at times that I could still call her and ask her advice. I am so very, very sorry. I can only wish that we will all get to be with her someday. It is good that you were able to share your Mom’s story of heroism here.
I can’t imagine losing my mother, especially in such an awful way. No wonder you mark the anniversary of her death.
God must have some awesome plans for Libby’s life for her to have survived something so awful.
My prayers are with you.
Page
I’m so sorry, Anne. What a senseless tragedy. That she had the presence of mind to save Libby…there aren’t words for it.
Your mom obviously loved Libby very much and gave her life for her. Focus on helping Libby know what a loving, kind and wonderful Grandmother she had. Her love and kindness assures that she is with God in Heaven and hopefully you are able to find some comfort in that. (((hugs)))
I am so sorry – that is just unacceptable for that person to get such a short sentence. I really will never understand our ‘justice’ system.
So sorry for your loss.
That is very sad that you lost your mom but what a wonderful lady she was to protect your daughter even if it meant giving up her life! My mom was always my confidant and adviser too and I miss her terribly as well. It’s so nice that you have that lovely picture of both of them together.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you today.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you today.
I, too, am so very sorry for your loss, for the loss of a woman who was so much to you and who gave herself to keep Libby safe. How blessed you were to have her. How hard it must be.
I am so sorry for your loss–may God bless you and your family.
Oh, Anne. I am soooo sorry. I am glad your mother was the Saint she was for saving your daughter, but saddened that she wasn’t able to make it. Words can’t express how moved I am by this post. Thanks for sharing this and I hope you are ok after bringing it up.
Davida
I’m so sorry. I hope you are doing “okay” today. The anniversary of the death of a loved one can be very difficult. Your Mother is definitely an angel.
Oh, Anne, my heart goes out to you…I am so sorry for your loss, and flabbergasted by the lack of ‘justice’. Your mother was a hero, giving her life to save that of Libby’s – you are in my thoughts and prayers. ((HUGZ!))
Anne, I’m sorry you lost your mother in such a tragedy. She sounds like a wonderful woman…thank you for sharing her with us. God bless.
I too am sorry for your loss but I hope you can see through your loss to the gifts your Mother left you with. I’m sure she wouldn’t have done it any different if the circumstance came again, she put everyone she loved before herself. She was a dear teacher for you and your family.
Celebrate her life!
Anne, I’m so sorry! I can’t even imagine the hurt and utter loss you’ve been through. Big BIG hugs to you!
Anne, I’m in shock — and horror. How can a person’s life be valued so little? 30 days??? Well, he’ll have to live with the horror of what he did.
Your Mom sounds like she was wonderful. Then again, she gave us you. I bet I’d have liked her.
Wow, I’m so sorry for your loss! What an amazing person to protect your dd like she did.
Anne, I am so so so very sorry for your loss. I have a close relationship with my mom and cannot even begin to imagine your feelings of loss. Prayers to you and your family. (That’s a beautiful picture.)
I can’t believe how incredibly lucky and unlucky you were in one instant. Your mom is a hero. Thank you for sharing your story even though it must have hurt to type every word. My thoughts will be with you and your family.
I am so very, very sorry for the tragic loss of your mother. Like you, I have also learned there is great injustice in this world, but I hope you at least can feel at peace knowing there comes a day of judgment for everyone, and while this man may have gotten off easy in this life, I would not want to be him on judgment day.
I’m sorry for your loss and know your pain.My husband lost his mother 7 years ago by a drunk driver. He only served five years for the murder of someone so very special.Your story reminds me of my husbands mom.”They were always there for us” Thank you for your story.My prayers are with you.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family, and those who knew your mom.
Kara
Anne, you dear, dear heart–I am so sorry for your tremendous loss… I can’t imagine what you must feel–but I know that your mom will always be you watching over you and your beautiful daughter. God bless you and your family…
Anne, my heart goes out to you and your family! You need to look at the wonderful bless she was to you. You need to know she will always be in your heart! You are you because of Mee Ma and she is looking down at you with a proud smile. As for the guy oh my gosh we have those types of laws here in Canada and it is just makes me sick!
I can only offer you a BIG Mom HUGG for your sad day. Brighter day tomorrow
There are no words to describe the kind of sadness you must feel on this day. I hope someday you can find some peace in dealing with this loss.
Anne, I am so sorry for your loss. My daughter and I are just as close. Your story gave me chills. Your mom was a hero in saving your daughter’s life. I just can’t believe that he got off with 30 days and remained in the US. How on earth did the snow plow get on top of the car? Was he blind???