Because my father did not choose his wife and children as a priority my precious mother was left to take care of my sister and me with no help. It was back in the day when there was no help in situations like this.

There is no way I can imagine how she must have felt knowing she had no money, no job, no help and two little girls to take care of. She did not let that keep her from finding a job and a place to live. We always had a home, food and clothing. She worked long hours and worked hard. I am grateful God chose her to be my mother.

Trust me when I say that I tried this sweet lady to the limit. I was angry, stubborn and turned a lot of anger on my mother. If I knew I was doing something wrong and would be punished, I did it anyway. Some things she would tell me not to do I would do them anyway.

My behavior was certainly a huge challenge, but my sweet mother never gave up on me. Some of the punishments I still remember but now as an adult what I remember most often are the times I was doing something wrong and knew that my mother was praying for me and loved me.

Many times, over the years, I have remembered things that I did and I would call my mother and ask her to forgive me and she always did.

My sweet mother left this life for the next several years ago, but I still feel her with me. I don’t know if she can pray where she is but if she can I know she is still praying for me.

My sister and I are strong women because we were raised by a strong woman.