Since it's Nancy's birthday tomorrow.

Dear Mom,

So I haven't written in awhile because things have been crazy busy. Junior year is kicking my butt. 

I thought I would tribute this entry to a certain person's birthday tomorrow. Why not? 

I remember when the two of you started getting closer when I was in about the 4th grade. Danny got

me into doing theatre, and it was during my first show that you guys started spending a lot of time together. As Danny and I would hang out and cause trouble in the empty rehearsal room (which is now a furniture store, by the way), all you moms would be sewing away townspeople and native american costumes. We were then hanging out because of 4H, parents club meetings, and then began the never ending shopping trips. So many car trips happened, to Gilroy for dinner, or seeing plays together. The two of you were so different, yet so the same. You guys would enjoy ganging up on me, danny, or both of us simultaneously. We would give Danny rides to school, I would spend summers at the shop by his house, Nancy drove me places. A lot of it blurs together, into an embedded memory of the dynamic duo that I hold so close in my heart.

Now it's Fall of my junior year of college, and things have changed so much. One of the biggest changes wasn't so much a change, but an improvement, or growth: my ever-growing love and respect for this amazing woman. I have many places I like to call home, whether it's all of Hollister, being with my family, back roads, the granada theatre, etc. But I have to say that having Nancy as an extended momma is an entire definition of Home for me. When I'm with her, I feel you with me. She makes me feel loved, safe, supported, and complete. 

I could say so many things about this woman to show why I am proud to call her my momma. I am happy that I've gotten to perform with her on stage. I am thankful she has constantly given me rides to various places these past 11 years. I am forever grateful for her taking care of me and being there with me through our shared time of tragedy. Even though she was missing her best friend and hurting, she still putting my needs first. I cannot describe in sufficient words how proud of her I am for making the decision to make healthier choices, which led her to lose an incredibly impressive amount of weight, leading her to register for Be the Match. All of these things and more make me grateful to have her as one of my biggest role models.  

I love you Nancy. Thank you for being an amazing support system after all this time. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I am endlessly thankful that you are my mom's best friend, and that you are my second momma. Thank you for all the memories. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for always being my go-to person when I need advice, or when I need some sense knocked into me. But most of all, thank you for being you. 

We miss you every day, Mom. Thanks for watching over us. 

                Love your babydoll, 

                Tessy Loo Loo