Actually my mother won't see this, because she doesn't have a computer. I have tried to talk her into it, but she's content to watch her tv, especially the San Antonio Spurs when they play, and Jeff Gordon racing in a NASCAR race.

My Mom, Shirley, was born in Tucson, Arizona on June 22, 1925. She was always thin and beautiful. She always looked young for her age. My dad was 9 1/2 years older than she was and as they got older, people thought he was her father. He passed away 11 years ago. They had five children, 2 girls and 3 boys. We are all alive and kicking, so I guess she still has us as well. My dad had a daughter by his first marriage, Marsha. My dear half-sister died several years ago with cancer. She had one son and two grandchildren. She called my mom, Mom, so Mom considers her son and grandchildren as hers as well. One of my brothers has a step-daughter, so Mom also claims her as a grandchild. So adding up all the grandchildren, the total is 17, great-grandchildren, 20, and one great-great-grandchild.

Mom is slowing down, decided to stop driving, and basically stays in her house we all grew up in. My brother, Michael, lives with her, so they take care of one another. Mom's mind is pretty sharp, better than mine. Also she spent only a few days in the hospital with an infection, other than that she had only been in the hospital having kids.

So, "Here's to you, Mom," a very special lady to so many.


Karen