A Tribute...

With Mothers Day just a few days away I wanted to talk about 3 important ladies in my life. I would like to start with Judy. She is my biological mother. I have never met her, but I pray for her daily. I’m thankful for her because she is the one who brought me into this world. But due to some circumstances she was not able to care for my brother and me. 

So here enters the next lady, Charleen, also known as Nana.  She is my great aunt, but I consider her a mother figure in my life. Her and my Great Uncle Bob took my brother Jason and me in as their own. I have many great memories while living with them.  Our children see them as a second set of grandparents and love them dearly. They felt the need to adopt us out to non family members so we would have the chance for a normal life. I know it was hard for them to let us go, but they did it for our own good. For that I am forever grateful.

Next enters my Mom and Dad, Mary and Jim. They took us into their home and their hearts. They loved us when we were just two little strangers in their home. My Mom has been one of my best friends. As a teenager I would come home from work late and Mom was always ready to hear about my day. No matter how sleepy she was she always had time for me to vent, or just talk about how crazy my day had been. She was there when I needed to cry or just needed to talk. She also was there when I was first reunited with my Great Aunt and Uncle.  I know that sometimes I was a handful, but my parents loved me and helped me. She is one of the strongest people I know. Shortly after they adopted us my Dad was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm for a year. I could only imagine the times of loneliness and frustrations she faced while trying wrangle two kids by her self. I never heard her complain and always seemed to be on her game. Looking back now I can see all that they went through that long year apart.  She is one of my heroes and I love her very much!

My Mom and I on my wedding day

Never too old for a hug from Momma

I could go on and on but I just wanted to tell everyone that I am very thankful for these three ladies that played such a valuable role in my life.  I love each and every one of them and wish them, and you, a Happy Mothers Day.