I am so thankful for my mom’s commitment to creating joy for our family. And I mean literally creating joy! What we lacked in financial resources she made up for in imagination, creativity and enthusiasm! Not only did she sew most of our clothes, she upholstered our furniture and decorated our bedrooms to create a home out of our tiny house. And I have the most vivid memories of how she turned every school project or community activity into a fantasy. For my 1st grade Easter Parade, my bonnet actually incorporated a bird in a bird cage! When everyone else brought a shoe box to school for the 4th grade valentines exchange, I proudly showed up with a cardboard mailbox completely covered in tissue paper roses. In the fifth grade, when 50 Campfire Girls gathered to release balloons, I showed up with mine decorated as Raggedy Ann and made the local news! There were countless kiddie parade floats, birthday parties, and backyard carnivals that I have magical memories of, thanks to my mom’s dedication to creating joy. For all that my mom has done for my family, one day to honor her just isn’t enough! I love you Mom!