To My Daughter On Her Graduation Day

Wow......I am still walking around in a daze....wondering where the time has gone...what happened to my little girl who ran around with her blonde hair up in pigtails? I remember it was hard to get you to wear skirts once you hit about 4 years old...I would tell you that they made you run faster...it worked for a while....Just like the 'music truck'....how many years did I get out of paying those sky high prices by telling you it was a music truck going by, not the ice cream truck. That worked much longer than I thought it would...if it hadn't been for Aaron blowing it! Shoot, hardly got to even use that excuse for Jakey...Michael and Jordan filled him in right away...damn it! It's not that I didn't want you to have ice cream, nor did I think you didn't deserve it, it's just so frickin expensive on that stupid truck when you can buy a whole box on sale for less than one at their prices! You know that now, right? Of course you do...because you go grocery shopping and Gordon's is your favorite place...and I have taught you well.

I can never express how truly proud you have made me, Ashley. I am blessed to be your mother. I am blessed to have you in my life. You mean the world to me. And I know that you will succeed in anything that you attempt. I know that you will be the best that you can be and do the best that you can do in anything at all in this world. You are an amazing daughter. And you have brightened my life more than I could ever thank you for.

I love you baby girl. Be proud. We may have had a tough life at times and I know you have seen me struggle over the years...in relationships, financially, and in many other ways...but just know that you have always been my strength...the reason behind so many decisions...and all of them have made us who we are today. When you walk up there and get that diploma hold your head high and know that you have accomplished a very important goal in life...and it is a stepping stone to your future...one that I know will be bright and successful. I know that Grandpa would be so proud of you too....I wish he were here to see his first grandchild graduate. He will be watching, no doubt about that, but I wish he were still alive to celebrate where you are and where you are heading.....he would've been overcome with pride...just like I am.

Love you........

Mom