“You Make Us Complete”: A thank you to the world’s most amazing woman, Mercedes Barnes.

To those around her, Mercedes Barnes can be described as the most charismatic woman in the world. “The life of the party, the tone setter for any and every occasion. She makes every day better by her infectious energy, personality and smile,” said her husband Russell.

Mercedes is everything to Russell and their children, Everly, Maielle, Eden, Penelope, and their pomeranian husky, Moxie. The seven of them (Moxie included) are a beautiful and complete family who all prove their love to one another every day.

Russell sometimes catches himself reminiscing of the day he and Mercedes met when he brought all three of their girls (in the middle of a pandemic) to Toronto to meet Mercedes for the first time. To this day, they all share a laugh at how Russell told the girls that they were going to meet a tour guide to learn about the big city!

Needless to say, “You can’t help fate and she’s now our tour guide for life – the best one there is,” said Russell. Mercedes and Russell knew from that day spent walking around with three small minions attached to their hips that this was all they ever dreamed of.

Since then, Mercedes (Momma and wifey) has influenced their lives for the better in every way. They all can’t imagine their lives without her – it’s as if she has always been with them every step of the way.

She strives daily to give the girls the freedom to have a voice – not just a voice, but a strong one. She wants them to believe in themselves and believe that they can be anything they dream they can be.

And as a self-made woman herself, she is an inspiration to the girls that if you work hard for what you want in life, you will be rewarded. The girls embody and strive to be like her everyday, and already Russell has seen them grow and become stronger and more confident in everything that they do.

For Russell, he finds himself putting away groceries quicker, being more productive, more independent and overall, a better version of himself. In fact, the entire family is just that – much better because of her.

However, to Russell and their girls, Mercedes is so much more than being a strong, independent self-made woman. “She is also the smartest, most passionate, charismatic, person. She is also the most beautiful,” said Russell.

For him, every day is a miracle in itself with her by his side. She turns grey skies into blue ones, whether they’re simply watching Netflix, having dinner, attending a Blue Jays game, dancing in the garage or at a country concert, enjoying their backyard hot tub, or attending a family photo shoot. All of these endless activities are treasured by Russell when he’s with her.

He says that “even the mundane day-to-day moments with her by my side fills my soul with purpose and love.”

When it comes to his favourite qualities and characteristics beyond what has already been mentioned, Russell says it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. “Everything” is a good answer according to Russell. “Her smile, her eyes, her kind heart, confidence and faith,” he lists.

He is constantly humbled by her love and grace, and while he may be mocked by his sappiness, he can’t help but put into words how much she means to him. “She completes our family. She is the missing puzzle piece we longed for, but thought we may never find.”

But above all, Russell wants Mercedes to know that these words are meant to show complete gratitude, appreciation and love for all that she is and all that she does. But more importantly, a thankfulness for her just being herself.

“You make us complete and we love you with all our hearts,”

Love Russell

+ Everly, Maielle, Eden, Penelope & Moxie.

PS

“Thank you for encouraging and instructing me to learn how to do a back walk-over!” – Everly  

“Thank you for encouraging me to face my fear of eating eggs!” – Maielle  

“Thank you for encouraging me to dress myself in the morning!” – Eden  

“Thank you for the endless supply of boobie milk!” – Penelope  

“Thank you for always making sure I go for a walk everyday!” – Moxie  

“Happy Valentine’s Day, baby!” – Hubby