To take the title from Maya Angelou, Extraordinary Woman, no one person can better encompass the true meaning of extraordinary than you.

You truly had it all, you were: compassionate, charismatic, humorous, commited, devoted, selfless, smart, strong, independent, free-spirited, a risk-taker, beautiful and a person who truly did try to make the most out of life; someone who loved life!

Yes, I know we use to fight like cat and dog sometimes, I'd like to think it was because we were so similar (if only I were so lucky). But through it all I never questioned the love you had. Imagine how boring life would have been had you and I not fought. Had I been the "ideal" child as Lisa was? Oh, I remember all too well how many times you would say," Lisa would never say that to me, Lisa would have never done that..." Remember my response? "Well, I am not Lisa!" Ahhh, those were the good ole' days. What I would do to bring those days back -- what I would do to bring you back!

I am not sure that you and daddy had a plan in rearing me and Lisa, but all I can ask of God is for Juliet and any other children who may follow her to think as fondly of me as I do of you! For me to be able to instill the confidence you did in me. For me to be only positive in my thoughts and actions. For me to give selflessly and unconditionally. For me to be their number one fan.

To me, you were my biggest fan, my loudest cheerleader, my strongest backbone, my most trusting friend, my mother! It is ALL these things that I miss -- you wore many hats and carried many titles in my eyes and I want to thank you for showing me and allowing me to experience someone so extraordinary.

I miss you very much!

Susie