One of my very first memories of my mother was when I was about five years old. It was the summer time and we were outside the first house I lived in, in North Arlington. We were in the front yard playing catch with a big multi-color beach ball. My mother would roll the ball down the pathway and I would roll it back to her. I remember rolling it back to her and seeing how happy she was. It was such a peaceful time with my mother and I. It was a special moment that we shared together and a memory I will always cherish.

On long car rides to see my grandmother in "Grand Ma Land" as I called it; we would listen to the Beach Boys. Mom loved the song, "Cocomo" and we all would sing along over and over again. I could tell by the look on Joes face, he didn't like the Beach Boys.

Every summer we would go away on a vacation, always somewhere exciting... I would have the tendency to wander off on my own. My mother and father would run around frantic looking for me, but they looked where they lost me... I really wouldn't wander too far and they always seemed to find me exactly where they left me... I could remember Mom running up and hugging me and telling me she would never loose me again... But next summer like clock work I would have them running around like lunatics again.

My mother was a great cook and liked to say that's where I got it from... I still try my best to recreate some of my mother's recipes but they just don't turn out the same... I would give anything to have just one more meal cooked by her...

There's not a day that goes by I don't think of her... Every time I see a mother and child walking or playing together I think back to the good times we shared together... I think of Mom. I know she is there looking down on me and everyone else she loves nudging us along. She is still a strong influence in all the decisions I make in life even though she is not here to guide me... I always think "What would Mom say" or "Would Mom approve" She knows, with the values and principles she raised Joe, Kristen and me by that we will always make the right choices.

I miss my mother terribly but I know I must go on, and continue to make her proud... Even though she is not physically here, her spirit lives on in all of us...