Our beautiful Mother Sophia was taken from us on September 26, 2006. She left behind our Dad Don, Daughters Sheri, Debra and Rhonda. Son Steven, Son-In-Law Keith & Albert, Grandsons Jimmyboy, Albert Jr., Anthony, beautiful Neice Priscilla and five Great-Grand-Children who All Miss Her More Than Words Can Express.

 Mom loved Atlantic City, watching Classic Movies, Cooking Shows and loved to Cook. Nothing compares to Mom's cooking, in fact, she made sure no one duplicated her Sunday Gravy because, she took her recipe with her to Heaven. Everyone always told her she should bottle it. She had such a contagious laugh and always had a smile on her face regardless of what obstacles came her way. Everyone who knew her loved her for her kindness, generousity and, wonderful sense of humor. She was so strong! I never met a person with such strength. She never asked for anything, didn't want much and was so loving and giving. She was very secure, independent and confident in herself which I admired more than I can express. She was my inspiration and she has taught me that life is too short to sweat the small stuff.

Mom was diagnosed with cancer over 30 years ago and "beat it" until 7 years ago when she was diagnosed again. Mom remained in remission for 6 1/2 years until diagnosed again in July 2006. I know I am supposed to be thankful for the years she was with us, and I truly am, but I can't help but be selfish, because I need her here. It is so unfair that she is gone. I ask myself...Why? She was such a wonderful person, she didn't deserve this, Why her? Many tell me..."She is in a better place" but what place could possibly be better than here, with her family? I wish someone would answer those questions but, for now they go unanswered. I can only hope & pray that my Mom is in another place with those she loved and who passed on before her. I hope that one day I will see her again but, until then she will be missed more than I can express.

Please don't tell me you know how I feel, unless you have lost your Mother too. Please don't tell me my broken heart will heal, because that is just not true. Please don't tell me my Mother is in a better place. I want her here with me. Don't tell me someday I will hear her voice, or even see her face. Beyond today I cannot see.

Don't tell me, that it's now time to move on, because this I can not do. Don't tell me to face the fact she has gone, because denial is something I can't stop. Don't tell me to be thankful for the time we had, because I wanted more.

Don't tell me when I am my old self you will be glad. I will never be as I was before. What you can tell me is that you will be here for me, that you will listen when I talk about my mother Sophia. You can share with me her precious memories. You can even cry with me for a while, and please don't hesitate to say her name because it is something I long to hear.

Please realize that I can never be the same, but if you stand by me, your friendship I will treasure.

She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street.

She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick, and perfume that she wore.

She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well.

She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day.

She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow; she is Christmas morning.

Your Mother lives inside your laughter,and she's crystallized in every teardrop.

A Mother shows every emotion ... happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow...and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.

She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take.

She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space.......not even death!