What can I say about my wonderful mother....although I am a writer, in this case, words seem so inadequate to describe what she means to me. For almost 30 years she was a source of unconditional love and support to me, through all of life's trials and tribulations. As well as being my mother, she was also my best friend and confidante; someone to share my sorrows with, or laugh with over coffee. She was my teacher in high school, my horse riding buddy, my birth partner, my most encouraging literary critic, my daughter's treasured Gran-Gran. She was the voice of reason and compassion on the end of the phone whenever things got a little tough. She was my secure foundation, my shoulder to cry on, the person I would call first whenever I had some wonderful news to share. Being robbed of her by pancreatic cancer is the hardest thing I have ever experienced; and yet even in the midst of those awful dark days of pain and suffering, my mother still managed to touch my heart with her bravery and selflessness, worrying about other people and even once shrugging off her severe physical pain as a 'nuisance'. Even in her very last days, she made sure we knew how much she loved us. Although she is now gone, I know she still resides very close by, in my heart and in my thoughts; while it can never compare to having her actually around to hug and talk to, my memories of her will sustain me in the years to come, and I will do my best to honour her and make her proud for the rest of my life. I love you so much Mum; I miss you more than words can say; and I am so lucky to be your daughter. -- Amy