My mom loved the lake. As a child she would body surf on the waves as they crashed in toward the public beaches of Chicago. She loved the feeling of freedom when you gave yourself over and let the wave bring you in. She told us about this the first time we went to the ocean. We were on a vacation to Nantucket with two other families.

We were enjoying the warmth of the sun and the crash of the waves. Even the moms went out swimming that day. I was about 16. My mom splashed in the waves and kept saying "Isn't this fun!? Isn't this the BEST!?" She was laughing and splashing and riding the waves. You could see the memories wash over her and girl from her youth take over. What happened next was unexpected.

Mom was riding waves and having a blast. The beach was crowded. Mom's boob popped out of her bathing suit as she rode the waves. She was having such a blast she didn't notice -- she jumped up and down shouting to a family friend -- "Isn't this fun?" The family friend was about 18 -- he tried to get her attention to let her know her boob was exposed, but the waves were too loud and she couldn't hear him. Finally, after much yelling by everyone in our party my Mom got the message. At this point everyone on the beach did too. I could not count how many people witnessed my Mom's embarrassing moment and plunge for coverage. What did my mom do? She got herself covered and laughed hysterically.

That's how she lived life. Some people would be mortified, and I'm sure she was to some extent; but she didn't let that stop her from enjoying the moment. She kept body surfing (and kept her boobs in her suit). She laughed as the story was told to the dads who hadn't been present. She laughed for the many years to come when the story was told over and over. It was truly a classic. My sister and I were walking down the beach later that day and heard people talking about that crazy lady that flashed her boob at the world. We just cracked up. We were so glad it wasn't one of US that had flashed everyone!

Tomorrow is the one year mark since she passed away. As I write this the sun is peeking through the clouds for the first time today. Mom is up there laughing with God over the memory of the big beach flash. I know she's having fun. I miss her so much. The picture is of Lake Michigan this past summer. Even though she wasn't with me physically I know she was there enjoying the trip.

I can't wait for summer. I miss the warmth of the sun touching my skin and the song of the waves crashing on the shore. I miss watching the sunset on the lake and remembering so many other great sunsets. I miss my Mom, but I know I'll see her again. Hopefully she'll put in a good word for me with the big guy!!!