Remembering Mom: A Life Filled with Love and Laughter

ministeramonk
Mom at Rockefeller Center in New York City

“Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with a wonderful mother!”

There’s a certain peace that washes over you when you start reminiscing about a loved one who’s no longer here. It’s a mixture of sadness at their absence and a warmth that emanates from the memories they left behind. Today would have been her birthday. I want to share some of those memories about my incredible mother, Tanita Monk, who was born and raised in the charming town of Concord, North Carolina.

Mom’s childhood stories were like stepping into a time capsule filled with fun and love. She spoke fondly of her grandparents who raised her, “Dennis who she once called Jelly Belly” (grandfather), and her grandmother Mollie Alexander, but the love in her voice when she spoke of them never left her. She had a beautiful relationship with her Father and respected her mother, even though she mentioned they were young when she arrived in the world. As she grew older and more independent, her adventurous spirit led her to New York City, where she worked as an au pair on Long Island.

Even as I type these words, a sense of calm washes over me, a feeling that reflects the peace she exuded in life, but Mom wasn’t just peaceful, she was also my biggest cheerleader! Her loving support and infectious enthusiasm were a constant source of strength.

It was in New York that she met my father, John Monk. Their love story, according to Mom, started with a strong foundation of friendship before blossoming into something more. They married and built a life together, Our family eventually grew with the arrival of me, and my siblings John, Thomas, and Desiree.

Mom’s love extended beyond her immediate family. She spoke with such warmth about her in-laws, Aunt Leslie, Linda, and Uncle George. They weren’t just in-laws to her; she considered them her actual siblings. She loved how they readily accepted her into their family, creating a network of love and support that spanned generations.

One of the things I admired most about Mom was her ability to find joy in the simple things. A walk in the park, a good book (she was an avid reader, and her favorite book was the Bible – the well-worn copy she held onto since marrying Dad is now a cherished possession). She also enjoyed catching up on current events in her favorite magazine, Woman’s World – a pleasure me and my sister now share. Her last read, “Faith Still Moves Mountains” by Harris Faulkner, resonated deeply with her, a testament to her unwavering faith.

I remember one Christmas year, Mom, my sister, and I wore these hilariously pilgrim-esque hats she found. People couldn’t help but stare, but we just laughed it off. Mom had a knack for finding joy in the unexpected, and her infectious laughter still echoes in my heart.

She had quite a few sayings that became family mottos: “It’s nice to be nice,” a simple reminder of kindness, and “If nothing doesn’t happen,” a humorous way of saying “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Her most powerful one, though, was “I don’t play with The Lord.” It reflected her deep faith and her unwavering trust in God’s plan.

Christmas and my brother John’s birthday were especially cherished by Mom. She always took the time to pick out unique, heartfelt cards that became keepsakes for her children and grandchildren. They were a tangible expression of the immense love and pride she felt for us.

Mom instilled in us strong roots of love, joy, and a spirit of never settling. She taught us to appreciate the value of a gift, not just for its material worth, but for the love behind it.

Mom, this is for you. You are missed dearly, but your memory lives on in the love you so generously shared.

Forevermore in my heart,

Arnitta

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Published by ministeramonk

Arnitta Monk is an ordained minister and chaplain serving her community through prayer, charity and good works.

17 thoughts on “Remembering Mom: A Life Filled with Love and Laughter”

  1. Thank you for sharing such heartfelt memories of your beloved mother, Tanita. Reading your words brought a sense of peace and a reminder of the beauty of cherished memories. Like your mother, the simple joys and profound love from our loved ones leave a lasting impact. Your recount of her life in Concord, her adventures in New York, and the family she nurtured speaks volumes of her incredible spirit and love. Your story resonates deeply as I reflect on the similar values my own mother instilled in me. The sayings you mentioned, especially “It’s nice to be nice,” echo the sentiments many of us hold dear. Your mother’s legacy of love and joy clearly continues through you and your family, a truly beautiful tribute to her life and the love she shared.

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  3. Happy Heavenly Birthday Aunt Tanita! I know you’re up there looking gorgeous! We are missing you like crazy but we understand you had to rest!!! I will forever love you! ❤️

    -Ebony

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  7. Happy heavenly birthday Aunt Tanita! I know your up there looking gorgeous! We miss you sooo much down here but we know GOD needed his Angel back… rest well auntie til we meet again…

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  8. Happy birthday, in heaven, grandma! Even though we were nowhere close to being related, you were a grandma to us all. My boys and I loved you. You treated us as your own, which reflects in your life story. God’s love shone through you and the spark of it will always be here.

    It was a joy to make honey cakes for you and one day, when we meet again, I’ll make you a honey cake! 🥰

    Happy Birthday to both you and my mommy in heaven!

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  9. This is so beautiful. 

    Continue to SIEP Aunt Tanita your laugh will always be remembered. Her most memorable quote for my siblings and I are “you are gorgeous” and “yes love” which to us was always her way of giving everyone their flowers while she was here. Love you Auntie ❤️🥰❤️😘❤️🙏🏾🕊️

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  12. I love this beautiful message Anita. Ms. Monk was absolutely amazing, I will never forget how she loved and cared for Kejuan like one of her own grand children. Happy heavenly Birthday! I will never forget you. I love you always-Sheryl

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  13. This is so beautiful. Happy Heavenly Birthday continue to S.I.P. You are truly missed and deeply loved🫶🏾
    From you to me
    “I Just Called To Say I Love You”
    🕊️Middleton/Pankey Family🕊️

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  16. The loss is inmeasurable,but so is the love you left behind.In celebration of a life so beautifully lived.Your Vibrant memory lives in gentle spirit with the earth.

    Mrs.Monk a women with class,charisma and dignity you always walked with your head up high.

    I’ll always remember as a young girl how you always greeted me with a warm smile that made me feel special, thank you for showing me style ,thinking back to the 80’s when very few people knew what LV was and here was Mrs.Monk with her LV bag looking fabulous.

    God Bless the Monk Family Thanks Arnitta for Sharing..

    Shirl

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  17. I can truly say with my entire heart that Mrs.Monk was and remains a classy lady. During our childhood she was a pillar of beauty and excellence from her smile, her style and definitely her strut. She embodied grace and she glowed with rays that just seemed to embrace her. She was full of knowledge, praise for others and a touch of sass all rolled in one. She taught me that beauty comes in numerous packages as she always reminded me of my own. Thank you Ms.Tanita for being a true gem. You shall never be forgotten ♥️

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