My Six Walking Tall Children

Flo truly believed that her biggest "triumph" were her children.  She summed it up best in her "Flight Book":

"I have lived a good life full of great happening and love no one could ever dream of for a woman of 6 great kids – You have made it all worth living and do not despair for I am with my beliefs of a good gentle world."

She wrote in her "Little Pink Book" before her angioplast surgery: "with all my children – their eyes, as mine, showed such love and yes anxiety. How you don’t want that. I started out saying I wouldn’t tell them till its over. Yet I believe I needed them badly.  All were here in person or in my dreams. Strength exudes from your children…positive thinking also abounds. I will always see their faces as I walk toward my room of destiny…hope…fear. But with them here or in spirit made it easier to handle (yes Rose Ann too). One thing…I love just being with them and them amongst themselves chatting, laughing – kidding and comforting one another. This togetherness always made me have a great feeling of contentment…for they have respect and love for all. Can’t say how much I embrace this togetherness!!"

She also enjoyed all the family Christmas time together. She wrote in her "Flight Book" about Christmas 1996: "All my children were together…makes me happy. One of my dreams is for them to always be close friends. The little ones are great…one sweeter than the other. I do wish I was near them. Their faces make me smile and feel good. Too bad we live so between time. So be it! They have to live their lives by themselves without a pesty mother. If I have the money I will travel to see all. All I have to do is keep buying. If I have the money I will spend it. I like to treat. Things I didn’t have or couldn’t buy. Seems so easy now. But I don’t need them anymore. My dreams are with them. It’s no fun anymore having money. The only fun is Buying treasures (my Sales) Flying to spend money on them – Oh to keep it up, makes me happy."

Of her children, she wrote in her infamous "Flight Book":

Charlie:

  • ".....a giving man and hard worker who never ends his quest to make his family happy."
  • (after returning home to LI)"....and Ro are meeting me.  Another contented couple...they are so deeply in love. It’s envious. But again, what more could a mother want."

Donna:

  • "...a good woman....never had it good, but she makes all her family feel good. Maybe her life was a gift she will soon enjoy."

Debbie:

  • "Deb Doll....my troubled daughter. Her compassion for me and others never quits. She exudes love."

Jamie:

  • "Jamie Boy is a better father and son I always wanted for my "6".  Proud of him....love him...need him."
  • "...such a joy, for he is a very gentle man with meager needs....a fine man and son."
  • (after leaving TN).."didn’t want to leave.  They (Jamie and Sue) are happy together.  What more can a mother want, and are good to me."

     

Eugene (Gene):

  • "....my fighting Irishman....gentler than he seems.  Full of zest for life and family. My gentle giant."

Chris:

  • "Did I do good for my son? Is he happy with me? With Loni, yes. Yet he always seems to try so hard, every day, pleasing. Loving, attentive son, father, husband. How wonderful to see. Will he find his dreams or has he already?"
  • (1996 after leaving Colorado)"My wonderful son - thank you. I cry for I miss you and your family already. Your baby is very special, a joy.  Being with her left me with such a pleasure only a mother can feel."
  • "Always a good son. He makes whatever he touches and loves equal "over the crowd"...he makes one feel joy of the world.  He feels every beat and pulse of it all, making it a better world for him being here."

Of her grandchildren, she wrote in her infamous "Flight Book":

Georgie, Lisa and Dustin:

  • "....my biggies....I want so much for them. I wish I could do more. I am very proud of them."

George

  • (after visiting him in TX in 1997)..."I hope I’m around to see a family...and George finding what career he wants...if not, (they) have given me hours of pleasure and happy thoughts."

Tommy:

  • "I pray for Thomas and his two little ones. He is doing a good job now. Maybe this time he’ll win."
  • (in a prayer) "I need just a little more help....Thomas and Courtney.  All the rest you have blessed. One little gentle push and wisdom......"

Angie:

  • "....I ponder my trip to Tennessee and my precious Evangelia".
  • (leaving after watching her for 8 days, 1997) "the end of my trips are so grand to me, being with my kids. Sad, sad leaving. I felt like I was deserting my Lady...leaving her with a babysitter for 7 hours. I cried last night and today. Takes alot to make me cry and she did. She has touched my heart since birth...being with her was a joy."
  • (visiting again in 1997)"Going to Jamie’s again for My Lady...she has captured my heart.  (and leaving) "left my lady...her face is with me always as a smile. Yes, my dimples!

Of her nieces and nephews, she wrote in her infamous "Flight Book":

Lori:

  • "Went to Lori’s 1 hour before flight. Martin always drives me. Very nice person. Makes me feel good."
  • (before a trip to TX) "She’s a great person, and mother. Her life is her children, which I relate to. Great kids, good husband.  That’s what it’s all about."