Picture was taken at our place in the mountains. Matti was still having to wear his oxygen at that time and was fed through a G-tube. Jacquie was my lap baby and never outgrew sitting on my lap.

Growing up at such a fitfull pace,
In a time that was always trying;
Never knowing what life had in store;
No half way between laughter and crying.....

There has always been someone near me,
Who has given, much more than she's gotten.
Never expected, complained, or questioned,
When her deeds were quickly forgotten.

There were things that I saw, in this woman;
That, as a child, I was sure I could be.
But, as I grew into someone else.....
She, still, remained true to me.

Through my trials and tribulations.
Through my good times, and my strife.
She has always been my roots and wings,
Since the day she gave me life!

She has given up, so very much, of her own life,
To make ours worth living.
And, though, we've often let her down;
Her soul just keeps on giving.

Now, that my life is in question,
I find myself, often, in thought.....
Wondering if I've done, or said it all,
And finding, that I really, have not.

If only.....I could find a way,
To let her know, how I love her.
The adoration and real respect,
That I feel, just floats above her.

So, these words are for this woman,
Who is always firm in my heart.
Knowing.....when God calls on one of us,
We will, in memory, never part.

But then again, we never know.....
So I pray, to the Lord above;
"Let me raise my kids, like she did",
"In the warmth of a Mother's love."

You've always had a hand to lend,
Or to hold, like no other....
I'm proud to call you, my best friend,
And with great honor, I call you Mother!

Forever, Jacquie - January 23, 1997