My Mom

This is my mom, Patricia Ann Dreier Cook. (You can call her Pat.)

But I get to call her MOM.

Some words that describe my mom are generous, thoughtful, great sense of humor, detailed, complimentary, and wise.

If I'm ever feeling down, my mom makes me feel like the most amazing person in the world.

She loves her grandchildren deeply and thinks they are angels. If I ever complain about one of the kids she and my dad are skeptical that they could really do anything wrong. I always say that that works fine for me, because the kids need all the fans they can get. Sometimes I use that to my advantage when I ask, "Now what would your grandparents think about that?" I know they would never want to let them down.

My mom saved my hide many times growing up. I was a responsible student but, like everybody else, I could be irresponsible. I was so grateful when she brought my music to band (7th grade) so I wouldn't be docked a grade. I also appreciated the time she brought my "real" clothes to school so I wouldn't have to wear my marching band grubbies all day (10th grade).

My mom was always the chauffeur when my friends and I went out. I knew I could count on her to run anyone home who needed a ride. She liked my friends and my friends liked her.

My mom loves games. She loves the comics section of the newspaper. She loves to laugh. I probably got my warped sense of humor from trying to make her laugh! I always have fun when I'm with her. She is always up for a round of Uno with Mary.

My mom collects pretty things. She loves mysteries. She chews gum. She is the ward bulletin specialist. She is the proud pet-parent of Sadie, their brand-new dog. She likes good TV--she and my dad introduced me to "The Real Housewives of Orange County."

My mom is a genuinely good person with a good heart, and I love her.

I would be lost without her.

Mom, I love you!

I really, really do.