Special families make life that much sweeter

Published 9:12 am Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Several weeks ago, I asked people from Lawrence County to submit stories about others from our community who have impacted their lives.

Ironton native Eddie Philabaun took the time to write about some very special women who impacted him in very special ways. Thanks, Eddie, for baring your soul to thank these wonderful ladies.

My story is about six amazing women who have helped shape the man I am today.

I would be remiss if I did not mention their names.

My wonderful mother is Mary Ann Philabaun. I have three beautiful sisters whom I adore – Christi Bartram, Julie Whaley and Stacey Philabaun. My grandmother, Ruth Philabaun is deceased but lives in my heart. My extraordinary wife and the best part of me is the lovely Jennifer.

I’m 33 years old and still amazed by the sacrifices my mother made to ensure that my three beautiful sisters and I grew up in a home filled with joy, happiness and unconditional love.

I am truly grateful to have such a wonderful mother. She is an angel on Earth and the most courageous woman I know. She was as I grew up and is still a symbol of hope for me and my siblings.

She is loving, beautiful, caring, genuine and very compassionate. She was not able to give us everything she wished she could have growing up but you cannot put a price tag on love and that is the greatest gift a child can receive from their parent. Thanks mother – you’re the best!

I absolutely love and admire my sisters. All three of them are so beautiful inside and out. They helped raised me and taught me how to treat a woman.

I’m a man and men are immature, so I failed many times. But they were always there to catch me and help me back to my feet.

They are excellent parents and have great kids. Thanks for teaching me manners, to check my ego at the door, to recognize the true beauty of a woman and to respect ALL people for who they are, not what I would like them to be.

My grandmother never knew a stranger. She was the kindest person I think I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

I’ll never forget her awesome milkshakes or the popcorn balls that she only made for family and a few neighborhood kids, of whom she was very fond. She taught me so much about life while swinging me on her front porch swing.

A tree still sits in the front yard of her old house that I used to climb as a child, but it was her strong roots that always kept our family grounded.

Thank you for your gift of poetry and sharing your heart with us. Thanks for teaching me what it means to earn wrinkles. I have no doubt you are in heaven “swinging” away. Your legacy lives on “Granny.”

My wife is undoubtedly the most beautiful of all of God’s creations. She is my air, my water, my food, my lifeline and my reason to be the best man I can be. She makes me happy beyond measure and I’m so lucky to be able to call her my wife.

She is an unbelievable mother to our 4-month-old son, Liam, and she inspires me daily. She made all my hopes and dreams a reality the day she said “I do.” I go to bed every night asking myself what I can do to make her life better.

I knew within the first four months of dating my wife that I wanted to marry her, so I popped the question. People ask me “was it love at first sight?” I just smile and say – I’m still falling. I love you Du!

In the end, I don’t want to be remembered for what I have. I want to be remembered for what I gave and how I treated people.

Any legacy I leave behind will be because of the six amazing women I had the honor and privilege of mentioning in this article.

If you have a story about someone who is truly special to you, I would love to read it and share it with others.

Billy Bruce is a freelance writer who lives in Pedro. He can be contacted at hollandkat3@aol.com.