My beautiful mother passed 13 years ago this week. [View all]

My grandmother (father's mother) passed on Valentine's Day. My normally cheerful dad would go into a funk around every Valentine's Day.

My mom passed a few days before my birthday. I have not been able to enjoy a birthday ever since. This is a sad time of year for me.

She was a strong woman. Grew up poor with an alcoholic father who beat her. Until one day, she held his pistol to his head as he was falling asleep drunk. She told him that she would put a bullet in his head the next time he laid a hand on her. He never hit her again.

My dad, her husband, died when she was 51 (I was 11). She suffered from crippling depression from the day he died until she passed. In spite of that, she got me through my teen years. I tried to model her strength and character.

She was well-loved by all. I'm a soon to be 67 year old man who is missing his mother today. I'll miss her forever. Here's to you Mary...they broke the mold after you were created. I'll see you again someday.