Mom, do you know how important you are to me? I know you've probably wondered from time to time what you mean to me. So I'd like to share this thought with you, to tell you that you mean the world to me... Do you know how important you are to me? Think of something you couldn't live without ...and multiply it by a hundred. Think of what happiness means to you ...and add it to the feeling you get on the best days you've ever had. Add up all your best feelings and take away all the rest... and what you're left with is exactly how I feel about you. You matter more to me than you can imagine and much more than I'll ever be able to explain. Mom, I'll love you always and forever. ~Rick

Mom, It is hard to believe that you have been gone for a year. We all miss you so much. Dad is doing good, always is keeping busy. He and I were always close but, we actually became buddies this past year. For a while before I moved to New Orleans, he and I even became each other's Friday night date. Dad helped me on one of our Friday night's when I had a really bad head issue, and he called the ambulance. We still had our Friday night date, just at the hospital. You would have been proud of the 75th birthday party, Rick and I threw for dad. It was at one of your favorite places, filled with family and friends. It felt like you were there. Leaving dad was the hardest part about moving to New Orleans. He and I still talk each day. You left me with some wonderful memories, and you taught me to live life to it's fullest. I love you mom! This song "Sissy's song" by Alan Jackson reminds me of you: Why did she have to go So young I just don't know why Things happen half the time Without reason without rhyme Lovely, sweet young woman Daughter, wife and mother Makes no sense to me I just have to believe She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting And I know she's smiling saying Don't worry 'bout me Loved ones she left behind Just trying to survive And understand the why Feeling so lost inside Anger shot straight at God Then asking for His love Empty with disbelief Just hoping that maybe She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting And I know she's smiling saying Don't worry 'bout me It's hard to say goodbye Her picture in my mind They'll always be of times I'll cherish And I won't cry 'cause She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting And I know she's smiling saying Don't worry 'bout me Don't worry 'bout me Don't worry 'bout me

To all who read this my mom was a wonderful woman, who showed us all what strength, dignity, grace, and courage is. I am proud to say she was my mom. I will miss her so much. We used to call each other daily. All I had to do was call and say "Mexican Food" or let's do something fun - she was right there! She showed all of us how to love life and go for the gusto! She showed us how important being a family is. She taught us how to work hard, set goals, and reach for the stars! Mom, I love you and miss you! I am so glad that I got to be with you in your final months. It meant more to me than you will ever know! I knew you would always be there for me and I wanted to always be there for you! We will take good care of dad ~ I promise! We know that you will always be our guardian angel. You will never be forgotten and you will always have a special place in my heart! I love you mom! Kim