This is my mama. Turned mom at 20. For several years she fought through a toxic relationship with our biological dad. I was too little know what was always happening, but as I got a little older I do remember several terrible memories that I pray my kids never experience.

As a young girl, I can say she used to always try to do what was best for me and then for my sister once she came along. After witnessing physical, mental and verbal abuse, I can remember moving homes several times and the drama of joint custody. Of course in the beginning the confusion of going back and forth was always there, but being with mom always made it better. As we grew a little older, the less time we actually spent going back and forth until it stopped. When mom remarried, I got put into a great school (Go Eagles) and she was told by him that people from that school would never amount to anything. I did great! I was in clubs, experienced dances, homecoming court, prom court, friends and happiness. I even gave a speech at graduation, which he got to listen to.

Mom was at everything. She was there at our adoption when I was so upset and confused at why someone wouldn’t fight to keep us. She never missed a band concert, homecoming, prom, anything. She was my friend and cheerleader. I never had to beg for her attention growing up or wonder if she was going to call or see me. Of course like any mother daughter relationship, we’ve had our fare share of ups and downs over the years, but she’s always mom. And she was there for me when others weren’t.

Thank you mom for helping give me a good life as a kid. You helped us find a true dad that made sure we were taken care of and gave us a good home. More importantly you never left us.

I love you always ♥️