Happy Mother's Day!

Gabby,

The day was set!  As I patiently waited, 12 hours before your birth, I could not help but feel overwhelmed with so much emotion.  You were the blessing that was about to change our lives forever.  As I laid on the operating table, waiting to meet you, I thought about your sister.  I felt her with us as I prayed so hard for your safe delivery.  All of a sudden, I heard your first cry.  It took my breath away!  You are so beautiful and full of life.  At this moment...my heart made room for one more! 

(taken from Gabby's first year baby book)

I love you Gabby and thank God everyday for bringing you into my life!  I love you "to the moon and back"(even if you still think that you can get a ladder and climb to it). 

I Love You,

Mommy

Mom,

I feel so fortunate to have you as my Mother!  I think about my childhood and remember some special moments that we have shared. 

You read to me before bed every night when I was little.  I know because I can remember picking the same books over and over again and you had them memorized as a result, but it's these moments that make memories.  You were my Brownie leader, PTO parent, volunteer at school, President of Spotlighters, post prom committee leader and there for every game, competition and performance.  I know I made you so proud when I graduated from college because I remember so clearly the letter that you read telling me how proud you were at my Senior Picnic with Chi-O.  You made sure I had the wedding of my dreams...even if we had to "forget" to tell dad about some of the expenses we incurred!  You were there when I gave birth to both of my babies!  You provided the best care any Mom could ever have asked for to Ellie.  She loved you so much.  I thank you for the time that you spent with you.  She was the center of your attention and as I watched you with her I learned that our children are true blessings.  You supported me during her death.  I realized how hard it must have been for you to see your daughter hurting and suffering.  You comforted me and made sure I had what I needed.  Through this, I learned what my children need and will need from me as they grow. 

Mom, Gabby loves you so much.  She jumps up and down when I tell her we are going to your house.  She can tell me the way to your house miles before we get there.  I am so grateful for the wonderful relationship Gabby has with you and even more grateful for our mother/daughter relationship today.  The three of us are making memories that will last a lifetime. 

You are a wonderful Mother, Grammy, Mother-In-Law and Friend.  I am a better mother because of you, Mom.  For all that you have taught me, for all the special times we have spent together, for the wonderful grandmother, mother and friend you  have been to me...I Thank You!

I Love You Mom, 

Katie  

Doris,

Thank you for being a wonderful Mother-In-Law to me!  You raised a wonderful son which resulted in he and I finding one another.  For that I am so fortunate. 

You are a wonderful Mother, Mother-In-Law, Mama and Friend.  You are so good to Jeff, Gabby and I.  You are so supportive of me.  You listen when I need to talk.  You praise me for a new recipe I try that turns out good.  And even when it does not turn it out well you always have encouraging words to offer or an optimistic comment to make to push me to try again.  You have taught me how to be a great mother by leading by example.  I want you to know I listen to your every word and follow your advice. 

You are a wonderful caregiver to Gabby and she absolutely loves to spend time with you!  Even though when we come over lately and Gabby says, "bye mom...bye" (when I have no plans of leaving), it makes me feel so good inside.  Gabby loves her Mama to no end.  She sings the songs that you have taught her, wears the clothes that you have made her with pride, loves her new shoes that you got her, and is quick to tell her Mommy when things don't go her way, "I Want Mama" and "Take Me To Mama's".  This is all okay because to know that Gabby has such a great relationship with you is all that I have ever hoped for.

On this day I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for accepting me, loving me and for all that you are. 

I Love You Doris,

Katie