My Mom was the most amazing person I have ever known. She has been gone almost 16 years now, but I think of her every day. She is what inspired me to become the baker I am today. She was the most soft spoken, gentle, kind, loving person god ever created. When growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin back in the 50's and 60's, my 7 brother's and sister's never lacked for anything to do. We worked from early morning til dark. My father always had plenty of work for all of us, but we never complained, because that was just the way it was. My parents were very progressive farmers, and took pride in their children, and the beautiful farm they created. When we would get off the bus in late afternoon, the smell of baked goods wafted through the air. The entire kitchen table would be covered from stem to stern with homemade bread, pie's, cookies, doughnut's and just about anything that she could think of to bake. And I continued that homespun tradition with my own children. They still talk about getting off the bus to the smell of those same baked goods wafting through the air. They would grab a quick bite, change cloths, and go off to the barn to do chores. That took about an hour, but as they came in for supper they were talking about knowing exactly was for supper, as that smell also met them as they came in to eat. I did not realize then what wonderful parents we had. So much hard work to go around, but so much love to go with it. My father passed away two years ago at the age of 97. He was a WWII vet, and just 10 minutes before he took his last breath he sang the National Anthem in its entirety. He passed away on Memorial Day. As children growing up, we never, ever missed the Memorial Day service at the cemetary. We were there rain or shine observing our father and all of his 11 brothers participating in the 3 gun salute. All had served in the war, and all had returned. I guess this tribute turned out to be for Mothers Day, and Fathers Day, and how I wish I could just sit with them one more time, enjoying homemade goodies, and a good cup of coffee

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