Happy New Year!

We always used to call each other at midnight. You were usually at work, having a pot luck party with your friends, which you always looked forward to. Sometimes you'd call me, or I would call you, but we always ended up talking after midnight to wish each other a happy a new year, and say I love you. I miss that so much. Tonight I will ring in the new year with all of your sisters, who loved you so much. We won't be able to call you, but we'll definitely be missing you and thinking about you whent the clock strikes 12... and before... and after. I pray the year to come will continue to bring more peace for all of us. We miss and love you sooo much, mom. Happy new year.

Merry Christmas

All I want for Christmas is you, mom. You made the season brighter for all of us, but I think you'd be happy to know that we still come together and celebrate Christmas day as one big happy family. With 13 adults and 12 kids that's not always an easy task, but it just feels right, and we know that's the way you'd want it to be. It's bittersweet to have such happy family time without you there, but you are ever present on our minds and in our hearts, and your absence is felt deeply. I think maybe that's part of what draws us closer as each year passes. You were always the magnetic force that brought us together and made every gathering so happy and complete. I think without you we just strive to nourish and grow our family bond the way we know would make you so happy. I'm so proud of who you were, mom, and I just ask God to help me be more like you. I'll miss you this Christmas, as I do each day, and I thank you for being my guardian angel, and getting me through. I love you so much, Merry Christmas.