My Mom

Yesterday my Mom would have been 58. She has been gone for almost 25 years, and I have have spent most of my life without her. But I remember her birthdays and always look back on what I have left of her - pictures mostly. I was so young, there aren't many memories. From everything I've been told, she was an amazing woman, full of faith in God and love for her family and friends. I try to remember that and her birthday instead of the loss and grief. Even being absent from my life, she has had an amazingly large impact on me - as a mom should. I would not be the person I am today, who God wants me to be, if my life had been any different than it was and is. So, to not be to philosophical, I am exactly where God wants me to be and so is she. I look forward to the day I can see her, healed. So, anyway, this is just my way of saying I love and appreciate my mom.

In this picture, my mom is pregnant with Ronda. Do you see the look on her face - I can almost hear her saying, "Ray, what are you doing with that thing?"

I had to edit this picture to remove the large thumbprint from the corner! This is my brother Randy. I noticed in this picture the sweet look on his face. Just lost in his mommy's face. Do you see it? And she looks so happy - holding her son.

Obviously her wedding day. I think she was 18. I wore this dress on my wedding day as well.

I don't know when this was taken - at my Grandma Gathagan's house, I assume - maybe before mom and dad got married.

This is me, maybe a day or two old? It makes me happy that she looks so happy. This picture has taken a beating, unfortunately.

Mom and Dad - so sweet. I wish I could remember moments like this.

Me and Mom on the floor. I have no idea what the context of the picture is, but I like to imagine we were doing something fun together. I do know it was in our living room in PA.