The Women in my Life

This has been a long few weeks. But, this past week has really been tough. Arlene Waters, Tami's Mom, past away on Sunday July 26th from cancer. It was her 73rd birthday. She was a remarkable women. She was just one of the best. She had a heart of gold. She loved her family. She loved when everyone was home for Sunday dinner at her house. I think that there were times she forgot to eat because she was so busy visiting with everyone! But that's how she was. She was unselfish with her love, and she loved unconditionally. And she was proud of her family and would tell anyone who would listen. We had a beautiful service here on Thursday and then on Friday we all drove up to Idaho (that's another blog). We had a service and burial there. 22+ hours of driving in 3 days gives you time to reflect and remember. I am so grateful for her love for me and for my family. From day 1, I don't think I called her Arlene, it was always Mom. It makes it even harder, because just 3 years ago, the day after Arlene's service, was the anniversary of my Mom's passing. So the drive home on Sunday also had me consumed with thoughts of my own Mom. She too was a great women who loved her family. She was always there for us when we needed her. She loved us, she cared for us, and she too loved her Grandchildren. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and miss her.


When I think of these two great Mom's, I can't help but to think of the best Mom ever to my own children. Tami. As I watched her over the last couple weeks, my heart broke for what she was going through. He emotions started to catch up to her physically, and the Parkinson's kicked in even harder. But she never complained. She wanted to keep going and doing, and I made her stop and take it easy. She is my absolute strength. She is the reason that I am who I am. She is my eternal companion. She is my all.

The other women in my life have to include my beautiful and caring daughters. They bring so much joy to me and to their Mom. We are so proud of the wonderful and compassionate women that they have become. They were there for Tami when she needed them the most. I am also so grateful for a wonderful sister. She is always there for us. She is someone who I can turn to when I need a friend. I am very thankful for Tami's sister Tonya. She was there everyday with Arlene. She filled in for Tami when she just couldn't be there. I know that Tami will be forever grateful for that. There are others too. Like Aunts, Nieces, Sister-in-laws, Cousins, and Friends who all rallied around the family during this difficult time. To all of you I also say Thank You.

I can not express enough the love that I have for my two Mom's. I miss them, but also know, with all my heart, that I will see these two great Mom's again.