I first met JOYCE when I was 19 years old when I came to the family. I was introduced to her and her husband, Roger Sr. by their son, Pride Bonds. Pride  and I were together and we added two more grandsons to the family. 

I remeber addressing them both by Mr. and Mrs. Strader for the first two years until one day mom just came out of the blue and gave asked me to call her Mom. I loved her dearly. 

Mom was a beautiful Soul. She and I use to stay up till 1:00AM - 2:00 AM talking about family history. She shared many anectodal stories, about her Mother, her father, her brother Leo, her sister, her aunt.... there were funny stories, tragic stories, sad stories, and happy stories. My favorite food Mom made, were tacos. She made the best tacos, she was a great cook, I loved her home made carrot cake that she made from scratch.  She made incredible sweets like peanut butter fudge, chocolate chip cookies, peanut brittle. You get the idea, nobody was her equal. Mom would put Martha Stewart to shame as far as i thought. She was a homemaking goddess. I always admired that in her. She was an incredible house keeper. I dont know how in the world her house stayed so clean and organized.  

I am grateful and blessed to have had this amazing lady in my life all these years. I learned so much from her. She was one of a kind. I always told her she was like a lenders bagel. Hard on the outside but soft in the middle. That always made her smile. 

Mom, I love and miss you. I know I will see you again. You were the greatest positive influence in my life. You were my home. Until we meet again, Mom.