Tribute to Florence Meisner

November 1, 2023 would have been my mom, Florence Meisner, RN’s 92 Birthday…but she left us short of 90 on 8/1/2021. Somehow, we thought she would make it to 90 as she had such a rich spirit. But she was already in hospice due to cancer. My mom barely drank, never smoked, exercised almost into her late 80’s, always ate healthfully, and fully enjoyed life. For the latter we are all grateful.

I spent a lot of time with my mom always, as my father never wanted to travel too far after his WWll service, & my late sister Janice, a Psychiatric nurse, was married with kids of her own in her 20’s. So, it was mom & I & our love for travel & adventure that created an even stronger bond.

When I became a wheelchair user in 2004, mom was still determined we have journeys, including our Bucket List Trip to Paris in 7/2017. She was already in her late 80’s, and walking all over Paris! Mom had done Yoga her whole life & started doing Bulgarian folk dancing in her late 70’s! She even went folk dancing to Bulgaria in her 80’s!

Also, my mom had always been my biggest cheerleader & supported me whatever I did…as long as I put in my full effort. Dancing, Acting, Social Work, writing, disability advocate & activist. I always hoped I would make her proud. She was the most influential person in my life. She had so much wisdom, becoming a young mom at 17, & eventually achieving her dream of becoming a nurse & never giving up. She taught me to do the same. The heavens are brighter with her there. She will always be missed here.