"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." (Abraham Lincoln)

Mom, the Lord gave me life through you. I am the man who I am because Mom, you laid the foundations for me from a young age. You introduced me to Jesus; you taught me the value of working hard and the joy of celebrating in the happiness of others. You showed us what it takes to love unconditionally. Forgiveness was never far and grace was given even if it was not earned.

Mom, you loved Dad like no one else. The 2 of you were an example to everyone that met you. You were a walking example of becoming one in marriage. You served Dad tirelessly and worked as a team to feed thousands. Your love for each other was visible for friends and strangers alike. You and Dad prayed for us every day and I know what a joy it was to just have the ability to give your children a call. You showed us how to support each other and how to take care of each other. You and Dad had the ability to help us kids to have self believe and tackle life with confidence. You and Dad showed us how to live in dependence upon the Lord and how to have peace and contentment even when life was hard. Faith was never far away and you were not afraid to believe for miracles.

As a future dad, the 2 of you have taught me how to raise my own kid. You were an example of how to support your children and one of the biggest lessons that you taught me was that every decision has a consequence. Mom, you allowed Dad to attend all my rugby games and to be there for everything else I did. I learned the importance of not being an absent father when our own little bundle of joy will see the light. Your example will live in the future through us. I pray that us, as your children, will live your legacy and continue to build it for the future. I know you were so excited about the baby that is on its way. I am sad that you will never be able to hold your first grandchild, but I am glad that you at least knew the feeling of being an expecting Granny. We will make sure that the little one will know about his or her Granny.

Mom, you loved it when people had fun and were enjoying themselves. You had the gift of hospitality like no one else. Mom, nothing gave you more joy than seeing people enjoying your food. That is why so many people always talked about your food, because you cooked it with care and passion. You lived your life with an open hand and always had something to give even when you could not afford it, but you always said that there is so much blessing in giving.

 Mom, you taught me how to organize, how to think proactive and plan ahead. Mom, you taught me how to be flexible and always keep my eye on the goal. You taught me everything about work ethics and to work for the Lord and not be bothered about praise. The importance to live my live in front of the throne of God and not people was one of most important lessons learned. You were an example of what a servant should be. You served tirelessly, with contentment and many times above and beyond what was expected.

Mom, we will miss you. We have lost a pillar in our lives, a prayer warrior. We have lost an example of the heart of God. When the Lord picked you to be my Mother, He knew what he was doing. We will always think of you with love and joy. We will cry many times still in the future, because you have left a hole in our lives, but we know you are happy where you are now. We know that you are experiencing perfect joy and love because you are with our Lord and Savior. One day we will all be united again, but until then we will have the security that you are with the Father.