Mama   It has now been over eight years since the Lord called you home, and Mama we miss you more everyday;  we miss your sweet smile, and that loving light that was always shining in your eyes. We miss your hugs and kisses; the way your face would light up when ever one of your children came to see you. You loved us with an unconditional love; in your eyes we could do no wrong.  Your love is still with us, it surrounds us, and there is nothing or no one that can ever take your love away from us.   Mama, you sacrificed everything for us. How many times did you do without for us? How many times did you push your plate away, so that there would be enough food for us?  How many times did you hide your broken heart, so that we would not see your pain?   It seems like only yesterday when you were getting up before the rest of us, to warm the house on a cold winter's morning, many times you had to use the stove to warm it, because we did not have a heater. But Mama, our home had a warmth that neither a stove nor a heater could provide; It was the warmth of you and your love, and where ever you were, that was where home was.   You worked so hard to take care of us, making sure we always had a clean home, food to eat, and clothes to wear.  How many mornings did you prepare grits, eggs, your wonderful biscuits, and bacon, (the kind with the rind still on it).  Mama it was so good, and the memories are a blessing.  You did all this before heading out the door to work, standing on your feet all day, and then come home to do your housework and cook supper.  You did not have the modern conveniences that we, your children enjoy today.  You used a wringer washing machine, and hung our clothes out on a line. How tired and worn out you must have been, not once complaining.   You never questioned God, you never yelled at, or took your problems out on us; instead you lived the life of a true Christian and did everything to make life as special as you could. Little extra things like your banana pudding and your fried chicken. Mama, you didn't have to do the things you did; what a better world it would be today, if there were more mothers like you.    Thank you Mama for the many many prayers you said on our behalf, and for the legacy that you have left us... for it is far more valuable that riches or gold. We are among the most blessed, to have had you for our mother.   Not a day goes by that we don't think about you, and hopefully we can honor you with what time we have left here on this earth, by living a life that you would be proud of... for we are so proud to be your children.    Until then Mama... we love you more than words can relay and we miss you with a pain that will not go away.   Your Children