Mom, Today we have your celebration of life. As well as your birthday. So it will be a full circle kind of thing.
But, at this moment, I find it almost impossible to put into words what one human being can mean to another. But simply put — my mom was my everything.
Growing up, there were times when life was hard, and I watched you struggle. But here’s the thing — we never struggled because of you. You worked tirelessly, in ways only a mother can, to make sure we had what we needed. You made ends meet when it seemed impossible. You shielded us from so much, carrying burdens we didn’t even know you bore.
Cancer may have taken you from us, but I can say without question — that’s the only thing that could have. You lived and breathed for her family. First, it was us kids. And when we grew up, it was the grandkids. Her grand kids were her world. I remember when you were diagnosed, and you chose to fight. When asked why, you didn’t hesitate. You simply said, “My grandkids. I want to be here for my grandkids.”
To my you, life wasn’t just about an 8-to-5 job. Life was about family. It was about being there — truly there — for the people you love.
I will miss your phone calls. I will miss your late-night texts. I will miss our funny conversations that could make a bad day good again. I will miss the mother you were. I will miss the grandmother you were.
If cancer had not taken you, I know without a doubt you’d still be here — giving us all a little hell, making us laugh, and having the very best time.
When you’re a child, a young adult, even a grown adult — you never really let yourself believe that one day you’ll have to face life without the people who brought you into this world. And when that day comes, there are no words big enough, no speech long enough, to capture what they meant to you.
For me, my sister and brother, you were our everything. You made sure we were taken care of — always. You loved fiercely. You fought bravely. And you gave selflessly.
Mom, I hope you know we will carry your love with us for the rest of our lives. And though the world feels emptier without you in it, our hearts will forever be full because of you. Happy Birthday Mom!