A Tribute to the Greatest Mother, Mary Elizabeth Cardis DiBella

The woman who I called Mom holding the precious baby girl who made me a mom. Although my mom isn't here physically, she is with me in my heart and on my mind every single day. I think of her several times a day. I wonder what she would say in certain situations, what advice she would offer. I think of how she would laugh at my kids and their cute antics. I think of what it would be like if she was here, enjoying being a grandmother to all her adorable grandchildren. I miss her beauty, her wisdom, her incredible faith. I miss her. No other person can replace her, as there was and is no one like her. I strive to be the woman she was and I have very big shoes to fill. I fall short of it very often but at least I have her incredible example to emulate. My daughter, Grace, in the above photo reminds me of her. Not in looks but in spirit. Mom was with me through my journey to be a mother, which was no easy road. Michael and I lost two babies to stillbirth. Grace was truly our miracle, born 8 weeks early. My parents and Michael's parents were the only family besides us who were allowed in the NICU. The four of them were our support and took our places to be with Grace when I needed to rest or Michael was at work. Six long weeks later, Grace came home. Fifteen months later, after a perfect pregnancy, we welcomed Timothy into the world and then three years after that, Max, our final child. Max came a year after Mom died. He looks just like her which is an incredible gift in my eyes. Today is one of the most important days for me....as a daughter, remembering a beloved mother, and also for the children I have been so blessed with. It is also a day for me to honor my beautiful mother-in-law, Celeste. She truly is a second mother to me. She, like my mom, is full of love, kindness, wisdom and beauty inside and out. Its natural and an honor to call her Mom too. To be so fortunate to have two such women in my life is a treasure. I thank the Lord for the family He has given me.

I miss you immensely Mom but I know that you are truly happy in our Father's Heavenly Kingdom enjoying all your angel grandchildren and loved ones who have also gone home. I look forward to when we will all be together again. Thank you for showing me your unconditional love while you were here with us.

Mary Elizabeth Cardis DiBella May 7 1937 - April 21, 2002