Thank you, Mom!

I state the obvious: I would not be here today were it not for you, Mom!

But putting the blatant obvious aside, You have been my rock, my support system, my best friend.

I can not thank you enough for everything you have done to make my life more than I could ever imagine. We always had what we needed, and most of the time, what we wanted!

You somehow mustered up the funds, the clothes, the time to help on extra special things such as school projects, or whatever!

Which continued during College....somehow worked your magic to allow me to take a trip to Paris, France....and when I needed something, you would make the drive to bring "supplies" and the goods!

Which continued when I graduated and started in the real workforce, always giving me the confidence and telling me I can do anything!

I should not speak for us all, but I will. Our wonderful memories are because of you. Taking care of 6 people, more than 6 people when Uncle Johnny lived with us! It seems throughout your entire life, you were always taking care of the masses....your brothers and sister when you were a teen....then my cousins when they were small....then all of us.....you've been given a great gift.

Not to mention ALL of the amazing baseball trips...ALL of the fun times we shared while on those jaunts....the love of baseball.....the world wise knowledge....the old-time stories shared time and time again.....seeing how others flock to you and have only nice things to say.....being there when I needed a pal to go to a concert.....we've seen some great acts together: Clapton, Bruce, Don Henley, Elton...the list is endless.....

And then Katie. Katie was Colleen's but knew when she wanted something, WHO to go to and that someone was YOU.

I could go on. Every single day of my life I am awestruck at the respect and love others have for you. I can not live a day without someone coming up to me telling me how wonderful you are...asking about you, telling me how much they adore you...and telling me how lucky I am having you as a Mother! But, I already knew all of that!

I DO want to be like you when I grow up.

I thank God every day that you are still with us. There were some close calls. But, all I can do is continue embracing every minute we have together, thanking God for each memory made, and attempt to show you how much I love you (which will NEVER be enough compared to what you have done for me) while I still can.

Thank you, Mom. I love you. Happy Mother's Day!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo