Best Friends

Journaling reads:

Dear Mom, (handwritten)
This is one of my favorite pictures of us! You were just 30 years old and so vibrant; together we were so happy and carefree! When I look at this picture, I start to realize that only 7 years later, you would begin to experience some life-altering events. In this picture you had no idea that your marriage would end, that you would go back to school to become a registered nurse, or that you would spend the next 22 years saving baby’s lives in the NICU. You had no reason to believe you would become a single working mother of two kids, or that you would suffer through your father’s sudden death and later the death of your mother.
Throughout these difficult events you remained the same strong, wonderful, capable woman as before… and continued to be the warmest and most caring mother a girl could ever want. Though it was difficult, you always managed to provide us with everything we needed. You raised two children alone, helping us grow from ornery toddlers into successful adults, watching and guiding us all along the way. Most importantly, you still found the time to love us unconditionally. Those early days were hard and now that I am a mother, I can appreciate all your sacrifices on an even more personal level. I am so thankful you were strong enough, determined enough, to face them alone!
Since then you have watched us fall in love, marry and have our own children; even helping me deliver my first baby!! You are now a wonderful grandmother to four beautiful children who all ADORE you. I have watched your heart break, watched you cry, watched you smile, watched you laugh and watched you melt with pride. There are no words that I could possibly say to you that could explain how deeply you are loved. All I could ever want out of this life is to be HALF the woman you are. You have such a kind, gentle spirit and I continue to look up to you and learn so much from you. Through all the trials and tribulations, you have managed to stay the same amazing person. And I am so thankful that through it all, we have always remained BEST FRIENDS!
I Love You, Krissie (handwritten)




Products Used:
Wild Asparagus 3 patterned paper- “Me & My Sister”-dots, “Beautiful”-paisley, stripes
Wild Asparagus- “Beautiful” definition and borders & tabs stickers
Kaleidoscope patterned paper- “So Pretty”-dots, floral
Heidi Swapp photo corners
Pressed Petal Chip Chatter- Tall and Hip
Quickutz Icing Rubons, small tags die
Queen & Co. trio brads-Girl & Winter
Making Memories- safety pin, ribbon, straight pin, flower (ribbon), paint & round crystal brads (light), metal heart charm
Colorbox liquid chalk
Ribbon by Offray, May Arts, American Crafts and Making Memories
Misc. “laugh” charm