Dear Mom,

I never fully appreciated you when you were alive. I was too busy being a smart-mouth-know-it-all-sassy-pants. I wish I would’ve learned earlier in life how special you really were. It wasn’t until I was about 40 yrs old that I started to look at you as a person with feelings, too. I remember the time I came home as a surprise to visit, you hugged me so tight for a long time and just sobbed. Now having a “Gypsy daughter” of my own to be concerned about, I understand you now more than ever. I wasn’t done having fun with you and laughing so hard until one of us peed our pants (not on purpose). I don’t regret for one moment that I came home to live for six months before you left this earth.

It wasn’t fun to be on the phone with Dad when you finally took your last breath. Listening to Debbie in the background making it all about her as usual (nothing has changed). I’m still glad you didn’t suffer and have to endure a nursing home. I’ve worked in those places; even the nicest of them, there is never enough kind help.

I know I didn’t say this enough when you were alive…but I love you, Momma! Not a day goes by where you don’t cross my mind several times a day. A picture of you in your kitchen is in my kitchen. You made the best fried chicken and you were right: all that spaghetti has caught up with me. What I wouldn’t give to have one more day with you but that wouldn’t be enough. I could write for days how my heart aches for you. It hurts Dad and my brothers to look at me sometimes because I look like you so much (an honor). I love you and miss you everyday of my life! 

All my Love,
Lee Anne (Queenie), age 56