Authentic Augustine

Mother,

Although I have said the words a million times, and attempted to show it through embrace, I have never been able to adequately express how very much you mean to me. We each say to the other we could not survive the other's death, so we pray to pass on at the same time, together. That is just the way it gas to be.

My deepest hope is that when you are finished reading this you may truly understand the love I have for you, and how proud I am to have you as my mother. I have never said these words to you before, and I am sorry that I did not do so sooner....

May I tell the world about you, your name Naomi Jean; ageless and adept, authentic Augustine. Your focus was on me, my sister and my brother; though married to my father, more like a single mother. For many years I know you did not often leave our home; Friday's came, dad was paid, three kids and you, alone. But as they do, the years go fast, seventeen in all; life tried to knock you down many times, but never did you fall. You made a promise to us kids, that life would get much better; that after the divorce, our lives would change forever. A divorce that could have broken some transformed you, Naomi Jean; a more hardworking woman, never have I seen. For fifteen years the tavern worked your fingers to the bone; you constantly apologized, felt you left us kids alone. We kids had nothing but respect, for you, amazing queen; the work you chose to do each day, it had you flourishing. 6am began your day, brewed coffee piping hot; your customers waited impatiently for the doors to be unlocked. As the patrons made their way into that dim lit space, you stood behind the bar, had everything in place. Caddies filled with napkins, straws and creamer too; the beer and liquor signs were flashing red and blue. 7am, like every day, each barstool seat was taken; you hustled out the orders: eggs and toast and bacon. I knew, dear mother, you loved your job, that was plain to see; I also knew you felt the pain, your back and legs and feet. But never did I ever hear negativity; you were doing what you had to do, for our family. Of a person in this world I have never been more proud; blessed with you as my mother is honor, without a doubt. May I tell the world about you, your name Naomi Jean; ageless and adept, authentic Augustine.

Mom, all I've just conveyed to you still leaves me feeling that I have let you down. How is it possible to show you what you mean to me, how proud I am of all you've accomplished, and even during the bleakest moments never did you give up. You let nothing stop you from giving not only your children better lives, but yourself as well. You worked so hard and finally found the happiness you deserved to have your entire life. I cannot wait for the day we are both in our fuzzy bathrobes, living together & taking care of each other until it's our time to move on. It will be a time filled with laughter and even more love for one another.

Thank you for setting the example and showing us kids the lengths a mother will go to in order to better the lives of her children, no matter the cost to you yourself. I love you mom. I love you so very much.