I did not need to look any further than "my own backyard".  My thoughts naturally turn to my mother who will celebrate her 84th birthday in May 2008.

I realize that my mother has always been my hero. Mother persevered through many trials and troubles, working tire­lessly to keep her large family together and provided for.  Along the way, she found resources to give us holidays and family times that would provide us with memories and stories to re-tell, ponder, and laugh about.  The greatest thing Mother gave us was the ex­ample of her character.  I cannot say enough about my mother, but I hope the following thoughts will give you a glimpse of what a true hero she was to all her children.