Lost a rare one today!

[DURTBAGG]

No this isn't a posting about a rare can, but rather a posting about a rare lady.

I lost my mother earlier today. She was a fantastic woman who always supported me, my collection, dumping, can shows, you name it. She was a collector herself-not of beer cans, but of mini Wheaton bottles amoung other things. Being a collector herself, means she understood the passion we all feel when we immerse ourselves in a hobby we love

Years ago, She let me wake her at 2 in the morning to drive me to my first Blue/Gray show before I could drive myself.

Every now and then, even after I could drive, she would accompany me to a local can show and would spend part of her time at the show and part hitting the local antique malls looking for her own treasures.

She trusted me with her car for a week back in 1987 so I could drive to NY for the Canvention in Niagra Falls

Before I could drive, she drove me on several dumping trips and would actually dig with me! I'll never forget how excited she would get when she would unearth cans in good shape.

She was always ready to go to flea markets and antique stores to go treasure hunting with me, and she is responsible for the minty Old Dutch J spout on my shelf. She found 2 of them on a dealer table when we were on a trip together and asked him to set them under his table for 10 minutes until she could track me down (pre cell phone days). I can't tell you how many out of town trips we made to NY, PA, NJ, OH, WV, NC, along with my wife just to go to antique shows and/or flea markets.

Even after her health prevented her from going to flea markets/antique stores, she always wanted me to call her with a report of my finds and I could tell from her voice that she was almost as excited as I was about them. Just yesterday as she lay in her hospital bed, I told her there was a huge flea market waiting for her on the other side, and I know she is already there hunting for more treasures!!

Yes I lost a rare one today, but rejoice in the memories of the passion for collecting that bonded us so tightly! Priceless memories that I will have forever!

Rest in peace mom!

[idigrust]

Great memories you'll always have,very sorry for your loss.

[Sea Monkey]

Man, so sorry to hear that. Sounds like a great lady.......

[boxer5053]

So sorry Steve. I remember her bringing you to those shows, mainly the Charlottesville shows. You had hair back then! We had great times

[Leon]

Sorry to hear this. LEON.

[Wrestling Nut]

Sorry for your loss. What a great story she created with you. That is what real parenting looks like.

[DaddyDewrop]

Sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is always tough, especially such a supportive one.

[IRTP Phil]

The best part about collecting, is someone to share your passion with. It seems you've had that and more. Thanks for the great story, and sharing your journey together with us. I am truly sorry for your loss...

[Kevin the Ex-Editor]

Steve,

I'm really sorry to hear about your mom. I only met her a couple of times but she was a sweet lady. I'm glad you have all those memories of her to comfort you and the family. Give my best to Kim and the kids from Deb and me.

Kevin

[Matt Menghini]

Man, I feel your pain. I lost my mom in November. I used to take her to Canventions. I remember when we were in Atlanta for Canvention and Princess Diana died. My mom watched TV all night that night. Cherish the memories. Matt

[steve36333]

Me , Gary A, Glenn and Durtbag went dumping in VA. DurtBag is a good dumper so I can imagine she was pretty good herself !

[Dan B]

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Such great memories, sounds like a great woman.

Dan B

[pinnacle-project]

She may be gone but it sounds like she left some fantastic memories behind. What a great mom!

[Candog]

Sorry to hear about her passing. I loved your stepping back in time to remember her and the things she did with you. But you missed one that I remember. I remember when she let you advertise for beer cans in one of her collecting magazines, and you scored BIG! A huge collection of mint flat tops. It was in Norfolk VA wasn't it? Please correct my memory of this event, as it's my only memory of her.

Candog.

[Mike S]

Steve so sorry for your loss.

Mike s

[PotosiDug]

What an incredible Mom. The memories will help lessen the pain. Hang in there.

[BostonBob]

Sorry for your loss! Thanks for sharing your story. It is clear you loved her and she obviously loved and supported your interests.

[Canadacan]

Oh I'm so sorry for your loss, my condolences...you have so many cherished memories, what a treasure to have had you mom to share your passion with...bless her soul.

[Wheaton]

Steve, I just saw this post. Very sorry for your loss.

Strength and peace to your family.

[greenmon]

Steve, I remember riding to Myrtle Beach with you and her years ago. That was a fun weekend. Sorry to hear she is gone.

[CMD]

Sorry for your loss