My mother was a beautiful person inside and out. She was always pleasant to be around. Her laugh was contagious and her smile lit up the room. She was the BEST mother, grandmother, wife, friend. When people talk about my mom one of the things that gets brought up is how happy she always was. When someone was feeling bad the sound of her laugh or encouragement of her words always made them feel better. A good example of this: When I was younger we were on a roadtrip. We had stopped at a truckstop for a quick break. There was a food place inside and in line there was a man crying. My mom saw how upset/sad this man was and went up to him, gave him a hug and told him everything would be ok. He wiped his tears, smiled and told her "Thank You." Now I don't know many people that would go up to a stranger and do this but I can honestly say my mom never met a stranger. To think of the happiness or comfort she must have given that guy makes me smile. It probably went a lot further then she thought.  People were drawn to her. I couldn't take her anywhere without her making a new friend. When I think about things like this, it makes me so proud. In my eyes she was "angelic".

My mom loved life and life loved her. Losing her so soon and so unexpected has been so difficult for my family. She was our "fun button", the "glue" that kept us together. Family was so important to her. I was married in 2001 and from that point on every Christmas when I would ask her what she wanted, she would say in her jolly voice with a big smile " a grandbaby". Five years later she became a grandma and she was so happy.The love she had not only for our family but for her granddaughters was so unconditional. Her grandaughters were her world. She lived for them. Although I feel that it was cut so short, I'm so thankful for the time they did have with her . They have so many wonderful memories that will last them a lifetime. I remember thinking for the longest time how something so simple could make her so happy, but it did. This simple way of loving and sharing love is how God wants us to live and so many of us don't see that. In my eyes she was a  "child of God." 

My mom was a military wife so my father was often gone. We had no family close by so all the responsibilities were on her. She did a great job providing a great childhood for myself, my brother and sister. She kept up with homework, groceries, cooking, cleaning and sports.  In my eyes she was "supermom."

The love and bond I had with my mother was very special. I believe that many may never experience a mothers love the way I have and I am very grateful to have experienced it. My mother may be physically gone, but her spirit thrives in me. It is what keeps me strong. I will be her legacy. I will strive to show my daughters the unconditional love she has showed me. I will do my best to be a good mother, sister, daughter and wife. I will strive to live life to the fullest. I believe my mom lived more lifetimes than some people do in just one. She was so full of life.

Thank you mom for all you have taught me and for all the wonderful memories, I will carry them with me forever. I look forward to the day that we wll be united in God's eternal light. I know you will be smiling and waiting with open arms.

Love,

Naomi