Growing up with a single mom for me was like having a mom, sister and best friend all in one. In some ways we grew up together but there was always respect and a sense that she was “larger than life” in my eyes.

We had some difficulties including times when she had to tell me that I couldn’t have something or it would have to wait until “next payday.” Even in those instances, my mother never said an ugly word about my absentee father. In fact, she wanted me to know that he loved me but had issues unrelated to me.   She only wished for us to have a relationship.

My mother was a giver, sometimes to a fault as I would see some people take advantage of her. She would always tell me to give from my heart knowing God would repay me. She told me you should never worry about the one trying to use you because the other 99 really needed your help.  I witnessed her helping people when we had little and when we had much.  I am grateful that her open heart is my legacy.