This Just In ...
Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
The Year of My Mother: As sad as we are, we gather together
"THE YEAR OF MY MOTHER" IS A YEAR-LONG SERIES OF BLOGS DEDICATED TO MY DEAR, SWEET MOM WHO DIED IN EARLY JANUARY OF THIS YEAR. I PLAN TO DEVOTE SPECIAL BLOGS THROUGHOUT 2010 TO MY MOM WITH SPECIAL REFLECTIONS AND MEMORIES THAT I HOPE WILL INSPIRE READERS AND CAPTURE THE TRUE SPIRIT AND CHARACTER THAT WAS THE GREATEST WOMAN I HAVE EVER KNOWN.
Mom was the absolute best every single day of the year. But the one day where she was the most amazing was Thanksgiving.
The first one up bright and early, Mom got busy while everyone else enjoyed more sleep. Responsible for all the planning and advance shopping, Mom now embarked on orchestrating the year’s most important meal which meant so much work, including the necessary tasks the days before.
Waking up, one could sense a special kind of warmness unlike that of any other holiday.
Then there was that immediate, one-of-a-kind aroma of dishes you just knew were going to be mouth-watering. Mom’s dressing was the ultimate. I know of no other that has ever come close. I’d watch her mold that glob of bread and celery and whatever else by hand and marvel how scrumptious it would eventually become all smothered with gravy.
Mom prepared everything. No matter how many guests arrived, Mom never insisted that anyone bring anything. She did it all. Dad? He just mixed the highballs. In between, Mom made sure breakfast and lunch were served.
The Macy’s Parade and football and holiday movies? No time for the unselfish chef. And I swear I recall Mom eventually sitting down and eating, but not before everyone else was taken care of and satisfied.
Post-dinner meant talking about and planning Christmas, and Mom was sure to turn on her radar-like hearing to pick up on what people were hoping to find under the tree. She’d then compose her own mental shopping list and surprise a lot of folks who couldn’t believe Mom knew what they really, really wanted.
And we’d talk about holidays past and holiday memories and good times. And Mom would love every minute of it as she finally got a chance to sit back, breathe and relax.
The Fischer household is quite sad this Thanksgiving, our first without our devoted, tender, loving mother and grandmother. We cannot hide our sorrow. However, we are thankful for so much time with such a great woman who always, always gave us strength and support. As I write this, snowflakes, like tears fall softly. We will find time to set aside our grief and gather for the holiday as a family and share lots of happiness. Because Mom would have wanted that.
Our first December without Dad, I recall saying to Mom, as if surprised, “We had a pretty good Christmas.”
“We always do,” she replied.
Right as always, Mom.
We always do.
1) God Bless You, Mom
2) Culinary no-no: The Audrey Fischer Edition
3) The Year of My Mother
4) The Year of My Mother - Jimmy Dean
5) The Year of My Mother - "The scarier the better."
6) The Year of My Mother: Erin Go Bragh
7) Goodnight everyone, and have a memorable weekend!
8) The Year of My Mother - Mother's Day
9) The Year of My Mother: The charming July 4th police officer
10) The Year of My Mother: Grandparents Day
11) The Year of My Mother: As sad as we are, we gather together
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.