Words are sometimes all we have.

I recently went to a funeral of a friend who lost his mom. She was only 55. That is only 2 years older than my mom. At the funeral they talked about celebrating her life and how much they loved her, and how much she meant to them. The thing about it is, she will never hear it. Don't get me wrong, I think it was great that they had such great stuff to say. But it got me to thinking. I want to tell my mom this stuff now. While she is here to know how much she truly means to me. So mom this is for you!!
You have always been there for me. My whole life is filled with memories of you. You gave up so much so that Jennifer and I could be well cared for. You are the true definition of what a mother should be. You taught me the meaning of unconditional love. You have stood behind me and supported me my whole life. You pushed me to be a better person. I think back to when I was a teenager and I know I didn't make it easy on you. I am sure I am in for the same thing with my sons. But I can look back and appreciate the fact that you always stood firm with your beliefs and you did what was right by me even when the other kids got to do stuff that I didn't. You always had rules that you expected me to abide by but you also stepped back and let me make my own mistakes. When I made the mistakes you were there to help me through it. You taught me that life wouldn't be perfect, but to make the very best of it. You instilled in me good values and taught me to love God first, and that every thing else will work itself out. The simple things in life were always important to you and still are as they are for me. That the simple things are the most rewarding. Sitting on the porch, enjoying a sunset, listening to my children's laughter, kissing away their tears when they are sad, just enjoying a long walk. I thank you for all of these lessons.

Your first role was to be my mom, and now you have been promoted to a grandmother. And what a good one you are. You do not even realize how much you mean to our little boys. They love you so much. You raised me and now I watch as you teach the boys the same important lessons in life. They don't even know how lucky they are. It took me till I was grown and with kids of my own to realize the depth of your love. How truly blessed I am. So I just want to say thank you. Even though thank you doesn't even begin to cover what I want to say. I wish I had the words to express...but I can't think of any to express everything I feel. I can only hope to give my sons what you have given me. Pay it forward you know. I love you!!!