My Mother

Barbara Ann Sledge,

  My mother was one unique individual.

There are times when I hear can still hear a story about my mother and still find it hard to be true.  She was one of those sweet, caring, fun, determine, focused, and maybe even a little unreasonable at times.  I am sure every person in this room remembers some event that took place where my mom was both heroine and villain at the same time. You know what I mean greeting you at 5:30p.m and kicking you out by 7:30p.m. Nor did she bite her tongue. She said whatever it was that was on her mind. One of her favorite saying, I pay to cost to be the boss. Then the one we all know all too well, "Do you have my Money; you better have it soon I ain't rich?" 

She always wanted to throw those big birthdays, barbeques, and holiday dinners that we just had to have. She just needed someone to go to the store buy a few things such as the food, drinks, and paper plates. Then invite everybody and, no they didn’t need to bring anything she always had it covered, and came up short. So she sent someone else to the store. In the end it always turned out to be too much food and her cooking for hours. I believe that was one of her greatest past-time. Nobody can forget her homemade Mac -n Cheese, Hot Water Cornbread, Lasagna, Greens, Cubed Steak or anything else that she wanted to cook.

My mother taught me a lot growing up. Some positive and other things not so positive. I know she taught me how to get the most out of a buffet dinner serving all you can eat and take home shrimp. She taught me how to stand up for myself and most important she taught me how to hold my head up high and how to be a strong-willed confidant man.  

I also believe that my mom was one of the strongest people that I’ve.  When she determine to do something watch-out whoever was in her way. The last time Teresa did her hair she told her that she was going to come home to cook for her baby-boy. That is the type of person my mother truly was. She would try to help someone although she was hurting herself. So it was hard watching her during her last months, but it will always be memorable. It was uplifting to see her relaxed and not in pain. I tried my best to graduate before she passed unfortunately that did not happen. However, I will graduate before the end of this year and I know that her and Jana will be there. As I hope some of you will be as well, which takes place around Oct. in Phoenix, Az. I missed this graduation in June out here.

Ok I’m rambling now just wanted to thank everyone for all their love today. Everyone that came on Friday & Saturday made it easier to say goodbye to my mom and taking some of the burden off my shoulders