Helen, Dora, & Nettie

It's Mother's Day. Today I thought a lot about these three special women.

Helen was my mother. She passed away at the young age of 42. I was 5 years old. I don't remember her voice but know what she looked like from the many photos I have of her. She had reddish-blonde hair and a great smile. Even when others looked serious in the photo my mother always seemed to be smiling.

Dora is a very special aunt and I was named after her. She is my father's sister and she came to live with us after my mother died. She did everything my mother would have done to raise me. She permed my hair, made sure I did my homework, scolded me, listened to me, passed on her love of the Blessed Mother and taught me how to cook gravy. She taught me that you could work ( she worked at the Board of Beauty Culture for the State of NJ) and raise a family. In June this year she will turn 102 and she is still teaching me things. Just last week she was showing me how to crochet- and correcting me when I caught the wrong stitch.

Nettie is my husband's mother and my mother-in-law. I could not have asked for a better mother -in-law. She has 5 wonderful children and 5 grand children. Nettie loves the Jersey shore, The Daily News and her family. She always wants people to visit longer and of course to eat. She worries about all her children even now when they are adults with families of their own.

These women have given me my smile, my faith and a wonderful husband who helped me raise two fabulous children. Can't ask for better role models. Thanks Helen, Dora and Nettie.

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing! Today I am blessed to be the mother of two fantastic children and mother-in-law of a wonderful and brave son-in-law.