My mother loved me with all of her heart but five years ago on this very day, God called her to a better place. It brought her joy to hold my hand and my daughter’s hand throughout her life. She prayed for my strength and told me to always remember to whom I belonged, if I were to ever go astray. I am certain that without her as my mother, my childhood and adult life would have been filled with agony and strife.

I remember when she taught me to read. I remember when she created meals out of very little for dinner. I remember when she said follow the Lord but with all the others lead. I remember when she warned against being judgmental because we are all sinners.

I would cry if anyone made Delores weep. I would be filled with joy whenever Delores laughed and would try and sing along if Delores were trying to remember the words to her favorite hymn. I would always shake my head and wait for the “bombs” to fall if anyone ever made the mistake of believing that Delores was a dumb sheep. I will never understand why the two of us would attempt to go out on those curious vocal limbs.

I am grateful because if it had not been for that beautiful woman…I would not be able to flourish, Oh, flourish! My prayer is for every child to have in a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother…a Delores, Oh, Delores!