It’s release week! Seeing that “The Crimson League: The Fight for Hope” launches Thursday (6/15), I wanted to focus today’s blog post on my mother for some special reasons.

The first edition of my book a decade ago was dedicated to her. I dedicated the second edition to her as well. She was SUCH an amazing mom, woman, and person.

We lost her way too soon to cancer back in 1996. She was 41. I was 11. I’m so glad that she kept multiple baby books of pictures and memories that I can now look back on from time to time. I’ve always wondered what it would have been like to get to be her friend in a sense after I grew up.

Her tallerini was unforgettable. She made great red beans and white beans, too. She once, on stage for a fundraiser, wore a “ballgown” that was a long flowing nightgown with styrofoam balls glued onto it! (She was part of a very punny fashion show.)

When, for some reason I still could not begin to explain, I decided I wanted to try cheerleading in third grade, she got together with the other team Moms. They learned OUR DANCE to Gloria Estefan’s “One-Two-Three Remix” and did it for us before we started learning it. I can’t listen to that song to this day without remembering that.

Basically, SHE. WAS. THE. BEST.

She taught me how to pray. She read to me and my sisters ALL the time. When I was learning how to read, I definitely remember her sitting down with me and letting me sound out an Amelia Bedelia book to her.

She did the tiring, thankless task of caring for three girls without ever complaining (that I can remember). She was the BIGGEST goofball to play around with, too! She was naturally very cheerful and easy-going, which I really wish I could emulate sometimes.

She also loved needlepoint, and this story gets to the heart of her selflessness and love. She handmade full-sized stockings, completely covered in needlepoint work across the front, for me, my two sisters, and my Dad. I still have mine. It had Frosty the Snowman on it.

She never made one for herself, though. She had a pretty but plain felt stocking.

She also needlepointed artwork for my nursery that I still have, thanks to my little sister. My family lived in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit, and I was away at college out of state. When my family back home evacuated, my sister thought to take Mom’s needlepoint off my wall and take it with her. Thank goodness!

Basically, Mom was amazing in all kinds of ways. I’m so grateful for the time I had with her, and I’m honored to be able to dedicate my upcoming release to her.