*On this; the first year; first Christmas; without you*

-You showed me how to be happy even with sickness, hardship, dashed hopes & dreams.
-You were, are, and will always be the inspirational factor that keeps me going from day to day. I now live to impress you by being the best person I can be to both the family and myself, and to eventually make a dramatic difference in one person or many people with the job that I perform every day.
-You loved me unconditionally.
-Even when we butted heads and I said things hurtful and frightening you could always love me and know that my growing pains were only temporary.
-You showed me how to love someone else through hard times and through differences.
-You always knew what to say to me, and even when I didn’t respond or agree or practice your teachings, you knew I would eventually do those things you spoke of.
-You always had the highest views of me even when I was at my lowest.
-You called me “Honey Bunch” one week before you passed away.
-You taught me how to cook.
-You always welcomed me home, and insisted I told you when I was home; the late night conversations and debates about life are still with me every day.
-You asked about my life and things going on.
-You were always there for me to talk to whenever I needed it; the thing I miss the most.
-You taught me how to give the best hugs.
-My chivalry developed and encompassed because of you.
-I don’t hesitate to help people in need, even though you always told me not to help with the simple and/or silly things, I now know the difference.
-You made the best chocolate chip cookies, fudge, apple pie, dumplings…everything you made was the best I will ever have.
-You taught me honesty with telling you how you looked in a certain article of clothing, although most girls nowadays aren’t like you in that regard.
-You never doubted me.
-You understood me.

Incomplete
Cracked surface
Best mother
To
For
Me

Forever
Remember
You
Teachings

My Tattoo
“I Live To Impress You”
Your Legacy
Lives
Forever
Me

12/24/2004