Lois Marie Hebert

My mother empowered me to embrace my identity as a proud, gifted Black woman. She encouraged me to cultivate my talents and to live a purpose-driven life, guided by faith and not by societal expectations. "Live for God, not man," she would say. Through her example and guidance, she instilled in me the values of resiliency and independence, teaching me to pursue my passions and become a woman of substance, and to be unapologetically myself. She taught me to be cultivated and cultured, a woman of elegance. She was a Queen raising Princesses. I love you so much mama, and I am gonna miss you. I am burying my heart with you tomorrow. Please don't ever leave me. I love you!

Hi Mama,

It's me, your Special Baby Girl. My heart is bleeding and my world is the darkest shade of gray. I thank God for gifting you to me. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. Coming up, my mother was firm and strict, because she was an old-fashioned mother, a nurturer and protector. THE BEST MAMA! You were always there, devoting your time, motivating, and supporting us. As a woman, our mother-daughter bond deepened, we were Frick and Frack. I am distraught that my best friend is gone so suddenly. My fondest memory of us was at Michael Jackson's "Heal The World Tour". You've got to be a helluva mother, to get your girls front row to the King of Pop. In my big grown age, I am gonna miss cuddling and laying in your arms. I am gonna miss your voice, your laugh, your scolding, your passion, and your infectious excitement for the things that bought you the most joy. I am gonna miss holding your hand and feeling your fingertips graze across my face. You prophesied that in a year or two, you will have a grand-daughter, and even took the liberty of naming her. Our little bet is still on! If I win, I'm expecting you to pull some heavenly strings! Help me hit that Powerball! LOL! I love you so much woman, and I am gonna miss jamming with you and making you laugh. My dinner forever date! I'm gonna miss checking out new eateries, trying new recipes, and frequenting our favorite spots. Losing you, I am so lost without you. Please don't ever leave me mama. I love you.