July 9 - My MOM

July 9 would have been my mom's 69th birthday.  That still sounds SO young.  I miss her each day.  I am thankful that she put so much energy into teaching me the things I needed to know to be an independent adult.  I am thankful for the decision she made when I was born to be active in church despite my father having no interest.  She did it alone.  I am thankful that she loved a rebellious, stubborn child despite the bad decisions I made many, many times.  I never felt unloved.  Even when I knew I was doing everything she wished I wouldn't.  I hope that she left this world knowing how loved she was.  I forgot to eat some Junior Mints yesterday in her memory.  I will have to do that today.