05/24/2023
34 years ago today, my Mother, Billie Jean McConchie passed away unexpectedly at age 60, approximately 30 days after her retirement. Over the past several years I have taken the time to demonstrate my love, appreciation and admiration for her on her birthday and the anniversary of her death. Mom was born in Rocky Mount, VA. Her Mother passed away when she was just 12 years old. She was raised through her teen years by her Father, who worked building roads, and her older sisters. During her high school years (she graduated from Falls Church High) she was a cheerleader and a member of various clubs. When she turned 16, she went to work for the telephone company, while continuing her education. She continued working for Ma Bell until her retirement. She took advantage of their stock buying program, contributing pennies weekly, and accumulated a surprising sum that we only found out about after her passing. She and my Father were married in 1948 and I was born 15 months later. My brother Phil arrived in 1951 and my brother Timmy in 1955. While raising us, my Mom worked diligently with our Dad to provide for us, ensuring we had what we needed as baby boomer kids. Mom was loving, nurturing, encouraging and incredibly strong, in reality being the driving force in the family. Her pride and joy were her 3 sons. During the Cabbage Patch craze, she mentioned that she wanted one. I gave her one for Christmas one year and I believe she enjoyed that gift more than any I ever gave her. I eventually gave her two more and she named them Mike, Phil, Timmy after her sons and prominently displayed them in her apartment. Mom was big on friendship and had a very large amount of friends that she communicated with regularly, developing friendships with workers, neighbors, parents of our friends, and even our friends. She preached the importance of friendship to everyone. I was the first in my family to go to college and I have no doubt it was her influence that pushed me toward that goal and has served me well throughout my life. As far back as I can remember Mom told us we were going to college - never leaving any doubt in our minds, and would add to the conversation that education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you. You can have money, belongings, anything else taken, but not your education. That lesson has always stayed with me. Reflecting on her life, I am amazed at what she accomplished growing up without a Mother, becoming a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, being the driving force in the family, developing many, many long term friendships, working full time, planning for a retirement that she was not able to enjoy, all while inspiring and raising 3 sons and building her marriage. I love you Mom. I miss you every day.
