If I could describe my Mom in a few words, they would be strong, hard-headed, visionary and loving.

Strong is what I experienced the nearly 50 years that I was a part of her wonderful life and especially what she exemplified over these last few years.  Strong were her beliefs and demeanor whether it was to her children, family or her friends.

Hard-headedness was one of the greatest traits that she had.  From a young age we knew it as a “a parent nagging at us.”  As an adult and later as a parent myself, I valued this in strengthening my own ideals and beliefs but most importantly, Mom showed me that sometimes you have to put those hard-headed beliefs aside and listen to others. Maybe you just don’t admit it too much in the end. 🙂

Mom was a visionary to me.  No matter what the challenges were, she always saw a way through them and knew what the end result should be.  If things were not going in the right direction, she would be the first to tell you so and to lend an idea how to fix it.  Mom and I would spend hours looking at pictures in magazines on how to add to her home decor or her many collections.  Her visions were lessons in life, neverending and limitless. I hope to continue on with these visionary endeavors with my own family.

My Mom was the most loving person I have ever known.  She made every birthday special. She was my loudest fan at baseball and football games.  She had been there for Roxana, Alyssa, Elizabeth, Nicholas and me time and time again.  Mom would ask me everyday how each and everyone was doing wanting to know every detail.  We will all miss her very much. I see so much of her in my own family.  Her stories and love will live on with us always.  We love you Mom!

-Bryan