My mom. I admire my mom’s caring, loving and independent spirit. She encouraged me to do my best in all things. Family Christmas, birthday celebrations, vacations every summer, Sunday dinners always at 12 noon sharp, mom/daughters’ annual trips to Mackinac Island will always be special. I inherited your creativity in cooking and artistic interest but the “cleaning gene” I did not inherit. Also, I was never able to perfect your flakey pie crusts. Watching a beautiful sunset, listening to the birds sing their songs, cheese curls and chicken wings will always remind me of you. I love you dearly and will miss you. Your spirit lives within me.