We have but one mother. I sure miss mine on what would have been her 88th birthday. She had an extraordinary run of 87 rich years. I’m very grateful for that. Below is an excerpt from her obituary I wrote in May. I will continue to learn from her example. I love you Mother. While at a dance with her sisters in 1954 Celina met a strikingly handsome young man newly released from the service. He watched while she danced – a storyline that might very well describe their sixty one year marriage. While not always an easy journey, their bond was steadfast and rooted in an unwavering love for one another. Celina spent her life in service to others. At first as a young woman working as a server in one of the town’s finer restaurants Belle Meade. Then owning and operating several restaurants with her siblings including the Guys & Dolls and The Coffee Shop at the historic Kavanaugh Hotel. After retiring from the restaurant business she went on to be a caregiver for the elderly, building lasting relationships with many families and assisting folks during some of the most vulnerable times of their adult lives. Celina was a great storyteller often through songs and words keeping the tradition alive through four generations. For a time she was a poet writing to express her deep emotions – both of heartache and joy. She had a deceptive wit and great sense of humor. She loved to remind folks that she could still perform a cartwheel deep into fifties Her small stature belied a great will and strength. Her kindness and generosity of spirit were her most marked characteristics. She was unfailingly loyal and fiercely dedicated to her family who will miss her dearly. As she expressed, she wanted to live independently in her home of fifty seven years until the Lord called her home to be with Kenny. As with much of life, Celina managed to leave on her own terms.