A Mother Like No Other

Every day, and every Mother's Day that passes - I am THANKFUL that I can spend time with my Mom, Mary Valdez. Five years ago she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer at the age of 66. She handled all her chemo treatments so well. Today, she's doing amazing - she always gets a clean bill of health every time she goes to the Doctor. You could never know a more loving Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother than she is. My Mom had a tough childhood, raised by a strict Mother - she grew up sooner than she should have...by the age of 5 she was cooking for her family and doing other household duties a child shouldn't do until they're older. Yet, as her parents aged - things changed and it was her that became their caregiver and she cared for them until they passed away....she loved them unconditionally. Our family of four kids always came home to a clean house, clean clothes, and our favorite...her home made Mexican food cooking. (she should have had her own restaurant we tell her - we still prefer her food over any restaurant here in town). Our Mother did make sacrifices while we were growing up...when money was tight - somehow she always made sure we had what we needed for school, for school activities, and I remember she always bought me beautiful dresses when I started dating. I don't take life for granted - I've been in the funeral business for the last eight years and I'll never forget my first Mothers Day I had to work out in the cemetery - I was overwhelmed with the people who came to visit their Mothers at the cemetery...we gave them roses and tissues to wipe away their tears. I left thankful I wasn't in their shoes and I couldn't wait to see my Mother later that afternoon at my brother's house for dinner. I hugged her tight - I told her about my day - how hard it was to see all those people come to see their Mother's graves - and how thankful I was to have her in my life and be able to tell her how much I love her. Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th anniversary two years ago - we were so proud. We celebrated at a local restaurant with most of their wedding party and family and friends. Mom and Dad married at the age of 19, lovingly raised four children, they have eight grand-children, and two great-grandchildren....and though they may feel their lives have been truly blessed - I can say that our lives were truly blessed for having incredible parents - and for having a Mother who's also my friend. This is why I nominate my Mom in the I. W. Marks Legacy of Love contest.

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