A Daughter's Tribute

I could not help but think of my mother on my first birthday without her. She was such an incredible woman, mother and friend. The story of the day I was born when four of my family members were in the hospital at the same time so illustrates her character and strength.

My father was in the hospital having lung surgery when my mother went into labor with me. Several hours later in the maternity ward, the nurse came in and asked her how many units of insulin she had given to her four year old diabetic son, Duncan, that morning because he was in the ER in insulin shock. Over the doctors' and nurses' objections she made them take her out of the delivery room and to Duncan in the ER.

After Duncan was stable and admitted to the hospital, she told them she was ready to have me and a few minutes later I was born. Not long after that in the surgical recovery room, she proudly presented me — their first daughter after three sons — to my father.

There are so many stories of my mother's life like this one. She had a hard and challenging life, but it only made her stronger, more loving and more giving. I thank her for giving me life 51 years ago and for being such an incredible influence in my life. I love and miss you, Mother!

(NOTE: These words of tribute are from Lori Baxter Allardin, the first of Betty's three daughters.)

2012-08-04 21:25:20 RBaxter

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