Memorials

You were a beautiful and caring mother. You were as a fragile flower, as tough as nails, and left us too soon. You were a responsive and caring big sister. You were a grandmother of 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter you'll never have the chance to meet. And, your spirit lives on in them and in us through your love of singing, your sense of humor, your love of philosophy, and of speaking up for what you believe in. Your memory as a mother who loved us so deeply will never be forgotten.

Mom, you were an example of what the love of Jesus looks like on earth! Thank you for teaching me how to love others and see the strength in everyone. Your dedication to your family, your church, and your career in nursing touched so many lives! Thank you to all the women God has placed in my life to help me along the way after my mom was called home.

I honor my Bio-Mother. The 5th commandment; Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. My Bio-Mother has 5 children. RIP Daniel, RIP Summer, and RIP Dannielle. My brother Dana and I are living. I pray this tribute promotes healing to her, my brother, and myself. I am a Motherless Daughter. Thank you, MDM, for a safe place to declare this and own it. Thank you, Aunt Laura and Rosie for your love. I forgive you.

Many times in my life, my Grandmother was a mother to me. She had a kind heart yet was firm when necessary. She had 3 children and helped raise 4 grandchildren. She loved us unconditionally. I spent more time with her. If I did something wrong, she sat me down for a conversation. Afterward, I would think I would preferred a spanking, hating that I had disappointed her. Making poor choices at times, she never said I told you so. I learned much from her and still miss her every day.

You are my mentor and friend. You have taught me so much about being strong and centered. You are a wonderful example of what a mother is, and I am thankful that I have gotten to know you and spend time with you. You have been a wonderful second grandmother to my children and they are so blessed to have you in their lives. I appreciate the strength and resilience that you have shown me over the years. I will always remember the first time we met and how you changed my life when you hired me

Mom, I miss our friendship and our many conversations. I follow in your footsteps, becoming more open-minded, more forward-thinking, and more concerned about our planet. I appreciate how you helped me become comfortable chatting with strangers, and I value your ease of making friends. I miss your knowledge of family history and your connections to distant relatives. I am blessed to possess your lifelong love of learning and your interest in history. I’m sorry that we did not get to say goodbye.

My mother was the strong foundation of our family. She was a loving example of honesty and integrity. She demonstrated the value of hard work. She based her life on her Christian faith and passed it on to her children.

I will never forget your kindness to me as a student nurse, and your belief in what I could do. You could see something in me that I was blind to. I owe so much gratitude to you for your support when I didn’t think I could make it. I went on to excel in Emergency Nursing. Many times, I wished I would have taken you up on your offer. I owe you so much.

Mary Ellen is mentor, mother, medical advisor and a tireless champion for all Motherless Daughters worldwide. What better way to honor her than for her to be the first tribute on this wall.