Mother is Appreciated for Who She is and What She’s Overcome

Raymond Oliver knows that he found a good one when he found Allison. But they waited — and it has been worth the wait.

Allison and Raymond met in a flea market back when she was 17.

“She was wearing a pair of short leggings that showed how amazing her thighs looked,” said Raymond. “We talked, she did my hair, and I took her places and on rides.”

Given her youth, Raymond did not want to rush into things. “I told her to live a little more because I did not want her first experience with a man to be with someone like the person I was.”

The couple connected again later, and the rest is history.

“She means everything to me,” Raymond says now. “I wouldn’t trade her for anyone in the world.”

Allison overcame a challenging childhood to become a kind-hearted, open-minded woman who can make things happen.

“Even though she didn’t come from the best or most stable background, she didn’t let that stop her from being the best person she could be,” said Raymond. “She continually brings happiness and kindness to everyone, and she forgives my continual shortcomings.”

Allison is a “fire” cook, according to Raymond, and does a great job raising her stepchildren as if they are her own, as well as the couple’s son.

“She is a good listener with the ability to communicate and be stern at the same time,” said Raymond. “She always makes sure our son has what he needs to be successful.”

Allison is a human resources specialist at the local VA Hospital. In her free time, she likes to travel and sightsee, as well as spend time with family and explore nature. She also enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and watching all types of TV shows.

“I admire her dedication to our family and her heart for others,” said Raymond. “She is open-minded and always unselfish. I appreciate her cooking a lot, too!”

Raymond’s favorite memories with Allison always seem to happen around celebrating her birthday. One of the funniest stories that Raymond shared was when he got high for the first time in Las Vegas for Allison’s birthday and couldn’t feel his feet or walk.

It is just one of many moments that led up to Raymond feeling the need to express his appreciation for his “person” this Christmas.

“This is just to show appreciation for all that she does and for who she is,” said Raymond. “I want her to know that I appreciate her even though I have my ways and might not show it all the time. I am still a work in progress, as I become the guy she wants me to be.”