To the woman who taught us that life was a grand adventure filled with laughter, love, and a touch of eccentricity, Mama. Mother’s Day is a time not only to celebrate but to reminisce about the unique and wonderful experiences that shaped us.

Growing up with Mama was like having a personal cheerleader, a confidant who always had your back, till you f—ked up. And boy, somehow I always found a way to get caught. Mama was determined to make sure we had as much fun as she did in her youth. She infused every moment with a sense of excitement, creativity but can’t forget the perfectionism that came along with it. Nothing could be done half-ass. She definitely was a perfectionist.

Her philosophy was simple yet profound: be honest, be good people, and never forget to enjoy the ride. Live life to the fullest! Mama’s approach to life was infectious.

One of Mama’s greatest passions was always the art of decorating. She found joy in the vibrant colors of life and had a knack for seeing beauty in unexpected places. She kept this passion until the day she passed. God bless her soul.

I am today – who I am – because of her.

In the spirit of celebrating Mama’s unique style, here are a few cherished moments that highlight her eccentric charm:

1. The Everyday Attire Most thought could be a Costume Extravaganza. Every day was an opportunity to embrace her imagination. Who knew everyday clothes could be so epic?

My grown children and grandchildren love to get “Wow” moments out of some of the outfits she wore. I still have a few to this day, and it really is surprising to look at them now. And these were everyday wear or fun nights out. (Examples: blue jean halter top with boa feathers, rhinestones and shear material that covered the breast and blue jeans that matched, gold lamé genie jumpsuit, mink cowboy hat. These are just to name a few)

2. Dancing!!! The lady loved to dance. She some how turned it legendary. Whether it was telling stories of the many stages she danced on or the many parties she danced the night away, her energy was never-ending. This was all while wearing 3-6 inch heels. The woman didn’t own a pair of flats, I don’t think.

3. DIY Adventures – Who else could turn a simple lion painting into a bold dark abstract painting that would hang in your bathroom as a child till the day you move out. Sewing projects – turning dad’s 36” pants into a girls size hip-hugger pants just because she loved the pant and didn’t want to get rid of them. The effort and enthusiasm she put into every project taught us that creativity knew no bounds.

Then there are the feelings of missing Mama. She passed a few years back. She was a fabulous mother. I loved having Mother’s Day with her as I got older. But if truth be told, I’m sure there were a lot of Mother’s Days that I disappointed her, some still haunt me. ( I never gave sentimental cards or sent flowers like the older perfect sister did) I never meant to disappoint her, I adored my mother, even with all her crazy ways and domineering habits.

She was the best mama ever!

I was simply preoccupied with my own life. My own Mother’s Day that I wanted, well expected to have, celebrating me. When they were little, I used to hope their dad might nudge them to do something sweet, a handmade card, a note, or just a little reminder of what I meant to them. Over the years, I dreamed of the day my grown children might write me heartfelt letters, telling me how much they love me and how I did a pretty great job raising them. There were a few years when even the day itself seemed forgotten. Well for me, it was only about the grandmothers. Husband felt that I wasn’t his mother so why bother. So, when the flowers didn’t come, the crayon drawings didn’t appear, I sometimes found myself feeling like I hadn’t done enough, like maybe I missed the mark as a mother. But I know better, really. Look at my incredible children and I do know they love me.

Do any of you have these mixed emotions of joy and melancholy?

Celebrate Mother’s Day this year honoring Mothers everywhere, their unwavering spirit and boundless love.

A Mother’s Day Letter to My Two Greatest Joys

To my beautiful son and daughter,

As Mother’s Day arrives, I find myself reflecting, not just on my mother but what it has meant to be a mother. What a privilege it’s been to be your mother. From the very beginning, you were the greatest joy and most meaningful accomplishment of my life. You still are.

My time spent loving and watching you grow holds some of the sweetest and most vivid memories.

Whether it was the everyday chaos, the laughter over your father being silly, or the quiet moments in between, it all meant the world to me. Those were the days that shaped this family just as much as they shaped each of you.

To my son—you made me a mother, and boy what a surprise you were. Honeymoon night and 21 years old. Wow!!! Thank God you were such a good baby. You had a calmness and gentle strength even then, and it’s carried into the man you’ve become. Watching you build a life and a beautiful family with your incredible wife fills me with such pride. Your children, my precious grand babies, bring a light and joy to this family that is impossible to describe. They are kind, thoughtful, full of energy and love. They carry so much of you in them. What a gift that is to the world.

To my daughter, my beautiful planned little girl. So full of light and energy. You brought a whole new rhythm to my world. You are my everything! My shoulder to cry on, my biggest supporter of all things, and still my captain of cheerleaders. You, my girl, your drive, your creativity, your smile, but mostly your mind and your work continue to amaze us all. You are doing so much and doing it so well. Next up; Seeing the woman and mother you’ve become, standing alongside your sweet, enduring husband, is simply incredible. Your baby girl is a delight. She is definitely what Memaw dreamed of in a little girl: full of sass, sparkle, and sweetness but never got with her girls. That priss and personality wrapped up in one, makes our lives better just by being in it. But boy are you all going to have your hands full.

I know I wasn’t a perfect mother. I made mistakes, as all parents do, but I want you both to know I truly gave my everything to be your mother. And looking at the adults you’ve become, I think you both turned out more than okay — exceptional, really.

You are the best parts of my story. I will always be the loudest voice in your corner, the one that will always be here for you, and a soft place to land when you need it. No matter how grown you are, I’m always here for you.

Always. With endless love and pride.