every single time I've said it, it sounded like I was talking through a cup. The low

muffled sound of my voice could only say a few brief words of sorrow. The words "my

mother" did not even come close to describing how much she meant to me.

In my twenty plus years, she's been my friend, my teacher, my assistant, and

sometimes even my loan officer. She taught me a great deal, perhaps more important

lessons than I learned in all of my formal education. She taught me a lot about strength,

endurance, and most importantly about life.

I can still hear her soft voice instructing me to complete certain tasks. She would ask

me to cut the grass. When I finished she would admire the sweet fresh smell that filled

the air. Often, she would want me to help move heavy objects from room to room.

When we were finished she would make us a tall glass of ice tea. I can still remember the

peaceful sounds of the spoon clicking the sides of the glass as she stirred it repetitively.

I will miss my mom, but her spirit and strength lives on in each of us and in the lives

water. Sitting on my unmade bed looking at the red, white, and blue lines of the wall

member. To her, family was not genetic, but a feeling of overwhelming joy. Once you

strength. Bouncing back from every illness with the willingness to continue with her

She passed on eight years ago. It seems just like yesterday she was standing next to

have had a lot of days when we would argue, but I look back and thank her for what she

firm but subtle voice, "You have to learn, because in this world knowledge is power!" I

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 740
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)