Tribute to Moms!

So, Mother's Day is tomorrow and I love this day! It makes me feel kind of like an actress or someone in the spotlight for some reason. I read today that if moms were paid in dollars for what they actually do daily, they'd clear six figures easily. Well, I'm here to tell you the moms in my life are worth way more than that. You couldn't put a dollar sign on anything about them. Here they are and here's what they mean to me..

My mom, Anne Valentine...
You grew me for 9 months and then just kept on growing me, teaching me how to forgive, how to show mercy, how to always lend a helping hand, how to be quiet when necessary, how to make a killer strawberry pie, all the important things that really matter. You had no idea what I was feeling with that gross post-partum depression but you just said we'd figure it out and take it slowly. We did and it went away, finally.You helped us drive the big moving truck here so I wouldn't be by myself and when we got here, you helped settle everything while I wasn't feeling well. You stay up late and you get up early, but you don't complain. You just do the next thing.Mainly, you taught me that this body is only temporary, so spend time on my soul, which will last forever. I will, Mom.

Martha Walworth aka Nana( passed away in 1996)....
Well, you gave me my mom, which says it all. Missionary to Mexico, faithful to Tata for all those years, mother of 6 children, survivor of cancer. You were strong and you were tough and you did things not because they were easy but because they were right. You loved watching me play basketball and your cheers were the loudest. You taught me to tithe, not eat too much sugar and how to cut a banana into my cereal. You always won at Scrabble and you never missed a daily stroll to stay fit. You often held Tata's hand and I know why. He treated you like the princess you were and are. I miss you.

Pamela Murphy, aka, Meme(my dad's mom)...
Laughter erupts when I think of you, Meme! You love to laugh. Laurel and Hardy re-runs will always be my favorite memory and sleepovers with all the girl cousins. You are generous and never missed taking me shopping on my birthday. You survived cancer gracefully and bravely. You are organized and precise and you mean exactly what you say. Your British blood runs through me and I'm proud to have it. Speaking of, "petrol" sure is high these days so "queue" up and get ready to pay.

Virginia Valentine, aka, Tahna(my dad's stepmom, passed away May 3, 2008)
I still can't really believe you're gone. You held the best Easter egg hunts and made sure Santa got just the perfect gifts when we were kids. You even had Santa show up in all his attire, with sleighbells and a big sack full of goodies. You went all out for Christmas! I definitely want to be that kind of grandma. You supported my mission trips and asked questions and then really listened to the answers.
You were genuine and also very firm. You liked makeup and pretty jewelry and you were one mighty pretty lady. I miss you already and love you.

Shirley Bush(Jonathan's mom)...
You're gentle and an amazing listener. You were actually ok with me marrying your one and only child and that took a load off, for sure!!!! You enjoy a good serving of Blue Bell, a pastime we will share for quite awhile. You encouraged me through nursing school as you've been a nurse for, what, 30+ years? You gave me the best gift in the world, your son.Thank you for raising such a gentleman. I love you.

Christine Drolet(Jonathan's stepmom)...
You usually just know what I like!! You gave me that beautiful Brighton necklace when Grace was born and the cute purse on my last b-day which I still always use, and cute jammies at Christmas. You shared your post-partum blues story when I thought I was going to fall apart after Glory was born. You braided the girls hair since I'm terrible at it and you taught me how to make meatballs and cut an avocado. I really miss you here in Arizona but absence is supposed to make the heart grow fonder, right? I love you, too.