Today would have been my mamaw's 78th birthday.  She always LOVED birthdays! Even her own!  It was always her, then my papaw, & then me!! We would all celebrate together.  The last 5 years it's been a lonely birthday for me, sadly she went home on February 26, 2006.  It was the day a small part of me   I found my love for jewelry through my Mamaw.  She always loved jewelry! She had TONS of it!! She had pieces you didn't see everywhere. I know she would love my pieces.  She always had something that would match any of her outfits!  She would be my #1 fan and probably my #1 critic too!! :) She always told me that I could be or do whatever I dreamed.  So here I am 5 years later with my baby Whimseys watching it grow!    Today being her 78th birthday I wanted to take a moment & share how wonderful she was with all of you! 

On July 25, 1933 she was born Betty Ann Burris.  To two of the greatest Christians I know.  I helped in the care of my beloved mamaw before she went home.  She had cirrohsis of the liver that took her quickly.  When her wonderful doctor found what was wrong he gave us an extra six months that we may never had if we would not have moved to him.  In that six months she possessed great strength, unconditional love, and outstanding bravery.  Those last few months had been the hardest in her life…She smiled and went straight into the unknown holding my papaw's hand & one last kiss.    

    She was so blessed. She had a husband who adored her; the love they possessed was so great that only they knew the connection of both their souls to one another.  Their love is one that shows others that we all want someone to love us and care of us, someone who is not only our best friend, but our soul mate.  They both complemented each other in life.  They spent 31 years together before her journey home.  She always told me how much she loved the wonderful care my papaw gave her in the end, and how wonderful he was.  That was best gift of all to her, his love.  She didn’t want diamonds or money...just him.  They did everything together, fishing, dancing at the lodge with their best friends, cooking, 4-wheeler riding.  They shared the same love for family & good friends.  Two things that I try to cherish with my life.  You know being so sick that is all she could think of wanting us all to feel a love like that.     
   
    One of the greatest gifts we are given from our creator is being a parent.  She was a wonderful mother.  She loved her son with all her being.  She worried about him, and unconditionally loved him faults and all as any mother would.  They were very close for mother and son.  She was his friend in times of need and he was hers.  She was his inspiration in life.  Being a single mom, she taught him how to respect a  woman in his life and how to be a good man & how being a parent was a gift not a job.   They have shared many good times and a few bad times also, but they always made it through together. 

   She was a wonderful grandmother.  She was always an important role model in my sister & I lives.  She taught us that we can be loved and get by with a few more things than with our mother…  She showed us that you can dance anywhere your heart feels the music; whether it is a shoe carnival or a dance floor. She also showed us that the gift of friendship is important.  She had a wonderful friend; that was always so dear her heart.  They both had a great love and admiration for each other.  They shared many great memories and got through many times together.  She always showed me to live life to the fullest. Be grateful for each and everyday you have.  I can’t say that I ever saw fear in her eyes…She had a wonderful strength throughout those last few months.  I was so proud of her.  I am so thankful for all the life lessons she had given me.  I know we all have seen them.  The day she gave her heart to our Lord & Savior was the best gift of all. 

  This evening on the way home. I did what I have every July 25th for the last 5 years.  I left her pretty flowers, cried, & told her how much I miss her.  But what gave me the strength today to talk about was my beautiful, loving daughter.  She stood beside me, took my hand & said mom "Don't be sad! Mamaw Boop is happy! I feel it in the sunshine mom!"  Then she sang a song called "Mamaw Boop".  "Mamaw Boop I miss you so much! Mamaw Boop I love you so much! Mamaw Boop you are so special to me!"  I tell ya what I love that little girl! Everyday I see a little more of "Mamaw Boop" in her! So tonight I held on a little tighter when I put her to bed & knew I was surrounded by that wonderful woman I miss so much!
  Today I love you and I miss you as much as that sad day I said goodbye.  I will hold you close in my heart and you’ll never be far away.  

Enjoy the beautiful photos of this wonderful woman! Sorry Whimseys fans!! I've never posted something like this before. I felt a need to chat tonight. Thanks for listening & I love you all!