My mom's life wasn't easy. I'll never understand how she got through it all with such strength and grace. She survived an unbelievably rough childhood, the death of her 4 year old daughter, Christine, and two abusive marriages. She supported her son, Rick, for two years completely alone when she was only 20. She supported me for numerous years and herself by cleaning 3 houses a day, which was extremely tiring. She was a hardworker, a caretaker and a good friend. She was a loving daughter and caring sister especially to her brother Dennis who predeceased her. She was extremely independent and always looked on the brightside. She was down to earth, unselfish, unmaterialistic and honest. She kept on going when times were tough, learned all the lessons in life she was meant to and kept her sense of humor throughout. Her children and grandchildren were what made her happy and is what she lived for. To me she was not only my mother she was my father. She was my best friend and my soft place to fall. I will truly forever be amazed at her strength and courage and will never forget how special she was. I think we were fortunate to have known her and I am honored to have had her as my mother. I will miss her every day but I am confident she is now in a better place. When you think of my mother remember her smile and wit and let the strength and goodness she possessed inspire you in your own life. Mom- You have been with me more while you've been gone than my own father has been alive. That speaks volumes. You've gone above and beyond as usual. You're loved, missed and thought about every day by your favorite person. I hope heaven is even more than you imagined. Life without you isn't much, but I'll continue to be strong and survive in your honor and like you showed me. You are still the voice in my head, a huge part of my heart and the person I have the happiest memories of. Thank you for teaching me all that you did and for getting me. I'll continue to make you proud, I promise. PS - You know what I will be thinking every time your/her name is spoken. If it wasn't for you she wouldn't be...thank you for all of the gifts mom, Love you forever. What my mom taught me... 1.) Laugh your way through, even when you've been stabbed in the back, kicked while your down and disappointed by those you love. Never give up your ability to smile. Not even on the holidays. 2.) Don't let any man or boy (in my case) treat you like crap and get away with it. Not even once. 3.) Listen. You don't know everything. Even when your 50. 4.) People who are arrogant know nothing about actual life. 5.) Be who you say you are. There's nothing like integrity. If you forget who you are, remember what mommy told you when you were little. 6.) There's more to life than degrees and money. Actually, this stuff really doesn't matter. Remember integrity? 7.) Be kind and see the good in everyone. Unless they hurt your daughter, then borrow a truck and run them over..then put it in reverse and find them in your rear view mirror. 8.) Little girls are everything. Daughters are even better. 9.) People are what they seem. Don't kid yourself. Don't ignore the truth. It's usually looking at you right in the face. 10.) The truth will set you free. It'll hurt like hell but you need to know. 11.) You can say anything kindly and feel heard and respected. Even when you are telling someone they are an asshole. 12.) This too shall pass. 13.) You're stronger than you think. 14.) Death and divorce aren't so bad. Actually, watching someone you love going through the process of dying is worse. My mom's favorite picture of us. My favorite picture of us. "Are you strong?"