A true gift, my mother

I will never forget a couple of very difficult phone calls Lyle delivered to me in regards to my mom. The first one was January 11, 1993.  My mom, the courageous, the beautiful, the intelligent, Beth Joy, made what was probably a very difficult decision for her at the time.

As a college freshman, I, of course, knew it all. My actions and my words proved that for me more times than I care to remember.  At this time in my life my friends were my family. The only blood relatives that I regularly sought out were not in my immediate family. 

My heart was stone, especially to my mother. Little did I know that she had decided to give me the most precious gift, herself.  She took care of herself and we began to heal...together.  Every day our relationship grew stronger and stronger.  A jackhammer attacked the stone of my heart...piece by piece...chunk by chunk.

Over the last eighteen years I've had a mom, a confidant, a challenger, a support, a number one fan.  I am so appreciative that she has made so many positive choices for herself and for our family that she will never really grasp it. 

Sometimes she feels guilt and I try to assure her how thankful I am for the life I've led thanks to choices she's made.  The choices are what create the person. 

So, Mom, on the anniversary of that very difficult decision, thank you for choosing as you have.  I am proud to be your daughter! Much love!