"M" Day

Memorial Day is a day of remembering those men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. We also acknowledge those who are currently serving and those who have retired.
To some, Memorial Day is about barbecuing, family gatherings, party time, beach time, and vacation time.
To me, it's about my Mother. Today is her birthday. Although I lost her at the mere age of 11, she was my best friend and the only Mother I knew. See I was an adopted child. My Mother could not bear her own children, even after trying several times. My Father and her decided to adopt.

My brother, Robert, was adopted first. He was 5 years older than me. Then, so I'm told, my Mother and Father now wanted a lil girl to complete their family. That's where I came into play. I was adopted as an infant. I am so honored that I was chosen and have a very special place in my heart for adopted children. So you see, this is the only family I have known. It may not have been biological, but none of us knew any differently. My Mother was a strong and courageous woman. We did not have the best life. Dad was an alcoholic. The weekends were known as "Friday Night Fights". There were many nights that Mom took me and my brother from the house in the middle of the night, just to escape from Dad's drunkenness and verbal abuse.
My Mother would never leave him because of us children and the fact, she believed in one marriage, no divorce. 
My Mother was my best friend. I carry her in my heart everyday. I remember on all she taught me in our short time together. She truly was an amazing woman who some never got to know. 
I feel her with me at times. It makes me sad, happy, and cry all at the same time. I know some day we will be together again, whether in her "heaven" or in mine.
Happy Birthday to the most beautiful and wonderful woman I've ever known. I love and miss you terribly. I pray you are at peace.  
With all my heart, 
xoxoxoxo