*On Friday the 19th June, I had a dream. I was sitting on a bench with my mom on my left, weeping hopelessly because she had just told me that she was leaving me. I became aware of a young man sitting on my right. He moved closer to me, enough that I could feel his body touch mine. I rested my head on his shoulder as I cried. He held out his hand and I took it. He gestured that we get up and walk, so keeping my hand in his, we began to walk away from my mom. As we walked, I turned to him and asked him what his name was… he replied, “God”.

The timing, significance and impact of that dream will stay with me forever, because the journey without our mom began the very next day – yesterday, Saturday the 20th June. There is absolutely nothing in life that can prepare you for such a journey, especially when you have been blessed with a mother as beautiful as ours.

Mom, from the time I used to call you “mama”, you blessed all your children with not only unconditional love but true friendship and boundless acceptance. Never in my life have I met such a selfless soul, filled to the brim with an abundance of compassion and love. Your cup was always overflowing and no matter who crossed your path, you always had more to give. You never hesitated to place those you love above yourself and the impact of that grace sits firmly rooted in each and every one of us as we embrace the gift we have all been afforded in raising our own children.

As petite, delicate and graceful as an old fashioned rose, gentle in heart and voice but rich in strength, passion and resilience - you were the epitome of a true lady! As your daughter, I am so very proud to have been raised by such a magnificent woman and my brothers, your sons are the noble gentlemen they are, because of the values and ethics instilled in them by a mother who truly had nothing other than love in her heart for her children – a REAL mom!