She loved all her kids. Even her great grandchildren

On this day, Shelby adopted Jess and she was given the last name 'Smith'. August 1994

My memory of becoming part of this family, working with Anna at Beach Nursing Home. Sitting in the lunch room, co-workers would say, “We need to set you up with someone.” Anna says, “How old are you? I'm sure I have a son your age.” We've been married 27 years on Jan. 19th and the joke is that Shelby's mom picked his wife. Shelby always joked around with her that she chose me and she would say, “And aren't you lucky!” He always says he married his mom, that I'm just like her and I have to say I'm proud of that fact. -Rhonda

Mom had mentioned introducing me to a woman a couple of times but I basically did not pay much attention to it. One weekend I was home from the Navy, but Mom was working midnights at a nursing home. She asked me to drive her to work then pick her up in the morning. Mom had a car, she did not need me to drive her to work, but she said that she did not feel like driving. I drove her to work that night and went to pick her up in the morning. When she came out of work, (Continues on next page...)

she hooked her arm in mine and walked me over to this beautiful young woman. Of course, the woman was embarrassed as she had an awful night working, stuff on her scrubs and her hair was a mess. I could tell she was thinking “Why today!” On January 19, 2018, we had our 27th wedding anniversary. I have told my wife (and Mom) several times that I could never leave her because Mom would never forgive me. After all, Mom liked her better than me. Mom may have HAD me, but Mom PICKED her. Thanks Mom.