This holiday season, my husband Joe and I are remembering the life of my mother, Barb Thull, who passed away unexpectedly in late July. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and miss her. We were the best of friends and enjoyed spending time together. In years past that included vacations to Washington, DC, Texas, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles (to see “The Price is Right”), Baltimore, New York City, Milwaukee, Atlantic City, Maine and all along the East Coast. She was a real pistol – so much fun, and so kind and giving to many of her friends in my hometown of Ramsey, Illinois. Many will be missing the over 120 dozen cookies she made every Christmas. She made fantastic cookies and loved sharing them throughout the year. She was also a skilled seamstress and enjoyed flowers, gambling and the St. Louis Cardinals. Mostly we remember her sweetness and kindness. As Robert Frost said so well, “Nothing gold can stay.” Rest in peace, sweet Mom, the world was a better place for having you in it. We love you and give thanks for the beautiful blessing and joy of time spent with you. Her daughter, Carol Mullen