Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish the special women in my life a Happy Mother's Day and let them know how much they have added to my life.

First is my own mother who passed away over 27 years ago and have missed her and the time she could have spent with our kids and grandkids if she was living now. She taught me and my brother Dave how to work, to be responsible, and provided a wonderful childhood filled with fun and security with parents who loved each other and their children.

Mom spent hours doing things with us which included the swim club during the summer, attending endless baseball games, being a den mother, volunteering with the PTA, and many other activities. Own home was a place where we felt comfortable to invite our friends to and was the hub many childhood activites. Mom loved to laugh and was very loud and always warm. I don't think our windows were ever closed. She would have loved being with her grandchildren and as well as the great grandchildren. We miss you Mom.

Next is my wife Mary. She is the center of our home and always has been. She is not just fun and adoreable, but hard working, loves all people and sees the best in each. She is often the brunt of most of the teasing of by our children but can dish it our with the best of them.

She is the blue print for our daughters on what a Mom should be. And why is that you might ask? It is because they know she loves them unconditionally and that she is their best friend and would do anything for them. She never has shied away from disciplining our children or being "brutally blunt", but they always knew she loved them unconditionally. She has strong faith in her Heavenly Father and lives her life accordingly.

I love and admire my own daughters and daughters-in-law. In my own mind, I consider each as my own daughters I don't distinguish between the two. I love you girls for all you do for your families and your teaching, training, and joy that exists in your homes.

I know it is not easy and our society today does not always acknowledge the efforts spent doing all that is necessary to nurture and train your children. It is not fun to change diapers, help with homework, be involved or just call and talk to your children's teacher, potty train, prepare countless meals, keep up the laundry, be the chauffer for games and practices, and so many other things.

I love being in your homes and spending time with our grandchildren. I appreciate how welcome we feel and how you carve out time for us. I appreciate living with Marylynn and her family and wish we could be near to the each of our other children, but maybe someday.

I wish each of you a wonderful day and let you know how much I love you all and admire all you do for those in your families. I believe women are blessed with a very kind spirit that know how to nurture and you each have that in abundace. I love you more than you will ever know.

Don/Dad