Mom,

We lost you one year ago today and I can tell you that you are dearly missed. The kids, MB, and I are doing fine.

I won't get mopey or tearful...but I just wanted to tell what I missed most about you: the way you looked when you got worked up about something. I could see the flames flickering in your eyes. I have to admit sometimes goading you into that state, just to see that look...heh,heh...gotcha!

I also find it remarkable that with only three weeks to live, you defied the pain wracking your tired body and made it to the place you loved above all others...Vegas. In further defiance, you refused to push the "spin" button and pulled the arm on the slot machine until your hand was black...that's my Mom! You always did it your way!

The picture at the bottom is in tribute to your favorite place to stay while in Vegas. While you never came out a "winner" in the monetary sense, you always had fun. I'm sure right now...this very minute...you're hitting triple "7's" on the dollar slots and wreaking havoc on "Little Green Men" in the nickel parlor. Go get'em Mom!

We'll talk again soon!

Jeff