I dedicate this post to my mother who passed away 35 years ago.

My mom was a quiet gentle soul with a very hearty laugh. She was an emotionally strong woman with a strong faith in God. She showed respect to everyone, even those who didn’t deserve it.

Her selfless and unconditional love for her children earned our respect and adoration. We had our mom’s heart….she held our home together. Maybe, I should mention that every one of our spouses loved and respected my mom.

I gave my mom the credit for who I am today and by extension who my kids and grandkids are today.

My mom is my hero. Her courage leaps to my mind when I think of the many heroic moments that I personally witnessed during my childhood.

She was not popular or perfect, but she was real. Her best friend was the wife of a…