Elvera Gauger

I’m so thankful that you are my mom!  You gave me your sense of adventure and introduced me to so many outdoor activities that are a major part of my identity.

You always supported Derek and me in everything we did.  Most importantly, we always knew that you loved us unconditionally.  Although I’m sure we tested that at times!

Two things come to mind for your core identity.  You always do everything on your own terms, and you go out of your way to share a great experience with others.

I always admired you for having the courage to leave the comfort and familiarity of your family and Canadian homeland, and move to California.  I try to think what that was like before modern technology to figure out the logistics of getting there and starting a new life. Yet you made it happen.  You worked hard to gain experience and grow in your career at a time few opportunities were available for women.  You were ahead of your time to be independent and take on any challenge.

You were fortunate to have some really cool jobs.  I remember WKA (World Karting Association, a Go Kart race promotor) where you would bring us in when we were too sick for school but somewhat functional.  You parked us in a spare office space and did your job.  We’d help out sometimes with photocopying and member cards.  That position got us pit passes at karting races and signed autographs from the drivers.  The pinnacle was a trip to Daytona Speedway to watch the enduro class karts blasting around the track at 150 mph!  Total heaven for your two young boys!  You could never stop telling the story when we asked to go see the ocean for the first time while you were getting us checked in.  “Don’t go in the water”, you said.  “Oh don’t worry, we just want to look.”  Yeah, well you can guess how that turned out! We walked into the lobby dripping from head to toe. “I thought I told you not to go in the water!” 

“Mom, you wouldn’t believe it. This big wave came out of nowhere and got us.”  Of course you knew better, but let it go.

Vacations were always a priority.  Despite living a frugal lifestyle, you always found a way to take us on cool and meaningful trips.  Skiing trips together, and eventually camp or backpacking trips on our own.  This was a critical formation in valuing travel that still drives me today.

Your gift to the world was putting together events for other people.  You knew how to put together food, drinks and a great mix of people to get interesting conversation flowing.  I always noticed that once you got it going, you stepped back and would watch everyone enjoying themselves. It brought deep satisfaction to you that you orchestrated something memorable for all who attended.

What you did best as a mother was accepting Derek & I for who we were, with all our accomplishments and flaws.  You found a balance of knowing when to be supportive, and when we needed some tough love.  You encourage and expected us to be individuals, work hard, deal with problems, laugh and have fun.  You let us make mistakes and learn to be better the next time.

These were all critical contributions to forming who we are today.

Finally, your service to others was a great example.  You volunteered so much throughout your life, always finding a service project in a cool place doing meaningful work and making a positive difference.

Thanks for everything you did for us!  As a parent, I now realize how much you gave without much recognition or gratitude.  Know that we wouldn’t be who we are without you.