To
my mama,
Being
your daughter has been incredible.
I'm
not sure you'll ever really know what you look like through my eyes, but I'll
try, TRY to put it into words.
You're
beautiful. Oh so beautiful. The kind of beauty that doesn't realize
just how much it glows. The kind
of beauty that lights up a room, and leaves a lingering air of grace.
You're
ridiculously strong. No matter
what life has thrown at you - and let's be honest, there have been some crappy
times - you've never missed a beat.
Or, if you have, your kids never knew it.
You're
selfless... the kind of person who really and truly puts everyone before
herself.
You
don't sweat the small stuff - and you're often reminding me that it's not worth
it to do so. You realize what life
is all about, and you make a point to stay positive and have fun with each of
your days here on this earth.
You
see, Mama, you're the kind of woman I want to be when I grow up.
You've
given me a life full of so much joy, and there are so many memories I have of
you, of us.
The
way we'd swim for hours on end at Murraywood, sometimes while you were on the
tennis courts, sometimes while you cheered for us while we jumped off of the
high dive. I remember you'd always
pack our lunches, even wrapping up green olives in tin foil, letting us get one
frozen candy bar or Charleston Chew.
The
way you lean your head to the side and play with your hair while driving.
The
way you do the fingertip-steering-wheel-dance, also while driving!
The
way you used to leave chore lists for us on the kitchen table during the
summer. We'd alway rush to see who
had to dust, vaccuum, and do the dishwasher.
The
way I'd get so excited when we went on a road trip, because it was one of the
only times we got to eat fast food.
The
way you always have to fall asleep on the couch before you go to bed.
The
way we always had Custom Pizza on Friday nights.
The
way you always made homemade popcorn and put a sweet treat in the bottom.
The
way you spent countless hours (and dollars!) on dance classes, costumes,
conventions, and competitions.
The
way you'd set out the cereal and bowls for breakfast on school-day mornings.
The
way you'd French braid my hair, and even do it over when I said it was too
bumpy.
The
way we snuck ziplock bags to share popcorn and dollar store candy into the
movie theater.
The
way you never eat the popcorn until the movie starts.
The
way you smell the inside of a new book.
The
way you trusted me and allowed me to be honest with you - giving me boundaries,
but also not trying to smother me as I navigated the world of high school.
The
way you let me get a job at 16 and drive a beat up, 1983 Honda Civic so I could
learn the value of money and responsibility.
The
way you supported my move to NC to be with the man I love.
The
way you rode in the limo with me on the way to Trunk Bay to marry that man -
holding my hand and never letting go.
The
way you hopped into a car at 3:00am the minute you heard I was in labor. The way I felt when you walked into my
hospital room. The look on your
face when I told you my daughter was named after you.
The
way you came to stay with me, T, and Cameron Kate for a week, helping us
navigate the waters of new parenthood.
The way we cried when it was time for you to go. The way you told me, "You can do
this."
It's
because of you that I finally believe I can do this - be a mother, to a
daughter. Like you said, now I
finally know the love you have for me.
I can only hope that my daughter will love me and look up to me as much
as I do you.
I'm
so proud to be your daughter.
Happy
Mother's Day, Mama.
To
the moon...
A flashback!
A long, long time ago
:)
Wedding Shower
Watching your girl marry the man of her dreams
One of the best days of my life!
Fun times!
Baby shower!
It was time!
Our girl, Cameron Kate
Named after you!
Love
Your week with the Peeles
3 Generations
Cameron's Dedication
:)
The best Mom and Bammy in the world!
