Happy Mother’s Day Tribute!

Because I mostly grew up with my grandmother, I had a strong bond with her. She was everything to me. When I moved to Georgia, she would call just about every day to see how I was coming along with my studies and how I liked it here in Atlanta. She also would send cards with kind words for encouragement just about every week.  We had a cat, named Tu Tu, and she would include her by saying how much she and the cat missed me. I had a young grandmother. She was active in the church, she had style and class, she always had caring words to share, and most of all; she is the reason why I am the lady I am today. Every time I accomplish a goal, it’s because of her.  I think of her words often, “Child, just keep living and you’ll see.”  Those words are etched in my head. I lost her on January 4, 1994. I felt like a part of me was gone, but I knew she would have wanted me to continue striving and growing. My grandmother, Cecile Holland, is my reason why Mother’s Day is so important. I celebrate her on this day!

–Stacey Ricks