I love you Mom!!! (05/12/07)

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, so this one is for you Mom...!

Mom,

You are the amazing woman who carried me for three quarters of a year, and endured the pain of bringing me into this world. It was your voice... ever so soft and comforting, that soothed and reassured me even as I grew in your womb. It was you who first cradled me in your loving arms and looked into my eyes.

You introduced me to my Father, and my older siblings. It seems you were a mom long before really becoming a mom, taking in your step-children Vickie, Pam and Warren Jr. and raising and loving them as your own. Stacey was the first of your actual children, and it was your love that helped pull her thru the many complications of being premature. Although her chances of survival were unbelievably slim, you never gave up on her, and eventually through your strength she became healthy and strong. You and Dad called her your miracle, but in actuality you were really her miracle.

After you had me and we all came home from the hospital, you welcomed me into a clean and tidy home already filled with love and laughter. Even with all us "rug-rats" running around, the house was always immaculate... yet wonderfully comfortable.

As a baby I was always close to you, and you had the patience of a Saint through sleepless nights out in the rocking chair. You took me everywhere, showed me everything, and you made it a point to tell me about everything. You always talked, sang to me and kept me entertained, and I was always learning from you. You would often tickle me and get down on the floor to play with me. You have always said that I was a happy baby, and I have to believe that much of that comes from you.

Once I learned to crawl you told me that I was quite mischievous and tried to get into everything, but you always had a watchful eye on me. Before you knew it, I was walking... and then I caused some real trouble. You were always firm and strict, but yet somehow laughter would eventually win-out... at least most of the time.

I think I was about three when you gave birth to Danny, giving me a little brother and bringing the grand total of kids to six. Of course some of my older siblings were already out of the house at this point. Seems like there was usually at least five people at the dinner table on most nights. You are an amazing cook, and we always had wonderful hot home-made meals to feast on. Despite a number of mouths to feed, you never let us go hungry.

As kids, you allowed us get dirty and when we'd had enough, you would throw a couple of us in the bathtub and scrub us clean. You always kept a good supply of bubble bath at the ready, and we would sit in that tub and play until the water turned cold, and you'd have to remove us kicking and screaming because we wanted to stay in! Then, before putting us to bed you were always there to read us a story and kiss us goodnight.

Some of my favorite times were the camping trips we would take every summer, and you always encouraged us to be adventurous and to go explore. You and Dad made it a point to get us out into the mountains and to the lakes and rivers... showing us a respect and a love for nature. Sometimes that exploring would lead to bruises and scrapes though, so when we came to you hurt and crying, you were always there to administer first-aid, brush the tears away and make it all better with a kiss.

As we all grew up, you always let us be who we wanted to be, and even though you sometimes disagreed with it, you were usually somewhat accepting of our friends and behavior. I remember a period of time when I had a mohawk, an earring, and a host of skater punk friends that were pretty much up to no good. You weren't very fond of them, and I laugh now at your comment of "Hey, if you all want to look and act like morons, that's up to you!" Must have sunk in though, because I eventually shaped up.

During my years in Junior High and High School, you always pushed me to do better and to pursue my interests. You were also there to reprimand me when I got into trouble, which I admit was sometimes far too frequent. Through your nudging and encouragement, I managed to get through everything and graduate.

It wasn't to long after that that I moved out on my own, and I remember how proud you were when I got my first job in Graphic Design at the newspaper. It was first time ever being away from you for long periods of time, and boy did I ever miss you... especially at dinner time! Fortunately I didn't live all that far away and was able to visit frequently.

Then suddenly we lost Dad, and unbelievably you were a cornerstone of strength for all us kids. Although I tried to be strong throughout the whole ordeal, seeing you... my mother... cry for my father, is one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. I'm your Son, and that day at the funeral I witnessed your heart break, and that in turn broke mine. It was the toughest thing I have ever had to go through, and it is one of the only times in my adult life that I have truly wept. I know you miss him everyday Mom, and so do I and the rest of the family, but as you know he is watching over us now and blesses all of our lives.

Those difficult times are quite a while back, and now all us kids are all grown and are pursuing lives of our own. We are all busy trying to survive and we don't get to see you as much as we would like. You are always there though Mom... mirrored in our mannerisms and expressions, and in our thoughts and prayers.

There is so much more I could have written... seemingly endless volumes of memories and experiences that we have shared. To me you are the world's best Mom... you have gone from being a step mom, to a wonderful mother, to a grandmother, and even to a great grand-mommy. You have taken care of your own children, raised step children, looked over other peoples children, and even taken in your grand-babies. You have been there for all us, giving us hope, inspiration and love. The impact you have had on our lives cannot be measured, and we could never repay you for everything you have been and done for all of us.

Thanks for being my Mom... I LOVE YOU!

Sincerely... your Son,

David