Annette Renee Atkins
Dear Mom: On Monday, August 17, you would have been 83 years young. I would have loved to have shared that time with you. I think about you all the time and I love you always. Thank you Mommy. Here's to you. `Love, Renee
What you gave me
You gave me my heart, in the toughest of times
You taught me to open it wide and to let my light shine
You gave me my smile, to appreciate life
The good and the bad, in struggle and strife
You gave me my strength, to look past my circumstance
And to not sit it out, when given the choice to dance
You nurtured my faith, how resilient it is
To overcome doubt, anger, disappointment and fears
You gave me friendship, believed and invested in me
To have the courage to fail and the will to succeed
You showed me the path to live righteously
For through the blood of Jesus Christ is my eternity
You gave me shelter, a warm, cozy place to stay
No matter the time in my life, no matter my age
When I needed you most, you were quick to respond
It felt good to be home, safe in your arms
We had our difficulties, yes, this is true
But as I grew, I learned to stop judging, and to appreciate you
The privilege of this, was that I stood by your side
And whispered I love you in your ear and allowed your spirit to rise
I now know, though the physical is gone
You were an extension of God and your spirit lives on
I shall see you again, it’s God’s promise to me
But for now, I take what you gave and continue your legacy
Thank you, Mommy

