Twenty-five years ago today was when my brave mother finally gave up the fight. She made it through so many serious illnesses, even when we were told she likely wouldn’t.  I was so fortunate to have a mother that I enjoyed talking to so much. I remember that while I was in college, I would sometimes stay up all night talking to my mom. Just the two of us - talking about everything! My mother was incredibly honest and she cared about people, which made her a great nurse. I miss her so much.

It doesn’t seem like Mom has been gone 24 years. I guess that is because I think of her so often. Sometimes when I see the color green, I remember that was her favorite color. I see something made of jade and remember how much she liked it. When I look down at my hand and see the wedding ring she wore for for 26 years. I am thankful for the unconditional love she gave me. My love for her is still as strong as ever.

Dear Mom,
I miss you more than words can say. My life changed forever 21 years ago. I remember how strong you were, so I try to be strong like you. I remember how loving you were, so I try to be loving like you. I remember how generous you were, so I try to be generous like you. I could talk to you about anything and always knew you would continue to love me no matter what. I hope my children can say that same thing. Now I wear your wedding ring on my hand and every time I look at it, I think of you. Thank you for being a wonderful mother. Love, Bec

This memorial website is being created in loving memory of Vedna Elaine Lemley Girten by her family and friends as a lasting tribute to her life. She was a wonderful person who devoted her life to to helping others. If you have thoughts you would like to add to help others remember her, please submit your input in the tribute or story section.

Mother's Day is difficult every year as the day honors mothers everywhere, but magnifies the feelings of loss in those of us who have lost the person dearest to us. My mom is thought of often throughout the year and immensely missed even after twenty years. I am thankful however to her for all the love and happy memories she gave me.

I think about my mother and miss her everyday. It is particularly hard every Mother's Day. Today, on Mother's Day 2013 I will start a one year project to honor her, so that twenty years after her death there will be a much more detailed account of her life here. I will also ask that others that knew her contribute some memories as well so that her descendants and others will remember her.