Mother.

When spoken, thought of, or felt deep within, a simple word that says so much more than anyone could ever explain. More than a word, a sentence, a paragraph or even a poem . . . Mother is a heartfelt bundle of emotions and experiences wrapped up in an everlasting ribbon of unconditional love.

On so many different levels, Mother is that which makes us feel. Mother is that which keeps us safe. Mother is that which gives us strength and faith and hope, as we journey throughout our lives not alone. From the moment we are born, through the moments that make us human, Mother is that which gives us life and love.

Our mother was that and so much more.

To each of her children, her grandchild, her nieces and nephews and neighborhood kids . . . and every child who was fortunate enough to feel her smile and receive her love . . . our mother was a mother to one and all. A week on a trip, a day at a park, a moment at a birthday party, a smile, a laugh and a hug in the yard of our family home . . . our mother was meant to be exactly that.

A mother to me. A mother to my siblings. A tutu to my niece, an aunty to my cousins, a neighborhood mother to our friends and more . . . our mother was a mother shared and felt by all.

Thank you everyone for the love given to our mother.

Thank you Mommy for the love given by you.