She wore panties on her head when she mowed, don’t believe me? I’ll find the picture. She used to love cooking biscuits and red gravy for breakfast. That’s not my momma, that’s my grandma. She’s the female version of Leslie Jordan.

At some point I have to give credit where it’s due. That’s all to my momma. She got it from her momma. My grandmother is the most secure, insecure woman I know. But she raised a bad ass. A beautiful one. Joyce Dale.

My mom has a beautiful story. She may not see it that way, but I do. I won’t tell all, because some of it is hers to tell. She’s been through so much in her life. Raised with a strong back ground in faith, shaken by why is this happening to me? But what momma didn’t know, she was about to raise 3 strong women all on her own.

My momma has washed more dishes, cleaned more floors, moved and entire house 4 times in one day. I wish I could elaborate but it would be too long. She didn’t raise not 1 successful child, but 3. 3 girls. I don’t mean to brag on my sisters and I. I mean we haven’t cured cancer or gone to Harvard but have you met us? Or them? I know I have a reputation that precedes me. It’s not entirely true but I’ll let you be the judge of that. However, there’s not a bad thing you could ever say about Brandi or Libby.

One thing mom always instilled into us, manners. You treat people, the way you want to be treated. No one is more important than you. My momma was raised by a janitor and painter. They had nothing. But my pawpaw could work on a car. He could turn a piece of junk into a classic. I’ve seen it numerous times. My mom also inherited my grandmothers ability to entertain and make anyone smile. Sharon would never admit she’s the life of the party, but she is. I love being in the presence of my grandma. I especially miss her jogging suits and bonnets on her head mowing.

But more about my mother. Have you ever seen her smile? Truly? It’s so genuine. She’s so gentle, she’s so forgiving. My mom is the role model of how you should be. She won’t hold a grudge. She will love you as hard as she wants to rip your throat out. She means well I promise.

She taught me how to turn a piece of junk into a master piece, still trying to figure out what to do with everything from the flood. But momma said there’s good in this some where. That’s the thing about her, there’s always something good. No matter what. There’s good in people, you just have to see it. There’s always something to laugh at.

My mom taught me how to cook, how to shoot a gun, how to be a woman. Not just any kind of woman, but a woman a man could need. She taught me to be strong in a time of desperation. How to rely on myself, how my family was the most important thing in my life. My mother has taught me everything I know.

I couldn’t imagine my life without her and nearly 4 weeks since I’ve seen her last kills me. She live in Louisiana, I live in Texas. I want to cross the border and run to her tonight. She’s my best friend.