Thank you all so much for all the kind thoughts & prayers for Cristy’s mom.  Gorgeous passed away yesterday at 2:32.  I don’t even have to tell you all how much she’ll be missed but if you could keep sending your love this way, we would greatly appreciate it.

Dear Gorgeous,

I want to thank you for the life you lived.  I’m thankful the I was able to spend six years knowing and loving you but I’m even more thankful for all the years before that – before we ever met. 

Forty-five years ago you gave birth to your fifth child.  You adored and cherished her in a way that I have never before seen.  I have heard the stories of when you would bring her home leftover lobster from your fancy dinners.  And when you married Cristy and your gift to her was the bottom oven in the kitchen.  And when you watched her walk up the drive way with a tough girl look on her face, only to have to break down in tears when she saw your face and asked you to fix her skinned knee.  You always made her feel like the most important child on earth and more than anything else in the world, that is what I am most thankful for.  The way you mothered her is the reason she is such a wonderful mother. 

I remember when I first met you, I lied to you.  Like some criminal, I gave you a false name.  I still can’t believe I did that but you knew why.  You knew who I was the whole time but you still let me feel safe in my secret.  One of the first things I loved about you was how you only called Cristy “Cristy darlin’”.  Never just her first name.  & you were always telling stories about her childhood – always speaking of her with the sweetest memories.  You were so proud of her and always made sure she knew it.  Another thing I immediately noticed was with every phone call, you’d ask her what we had for dinner or lunch or breakfast.  You wanted to know every detail – every detail you were missing by living so far away.  You really just cared about every little thing.

I will never forget our walk the last time I was in Houston.  I will never forget your words and the promises I made. 

You were the Belle of the Ball – the Queen of your family.  And you will be deeply missed.

I love you, always.