Happy Birthday Mom!!

Happy Birthday Mom!  Today is your day, July 3, 2009.  You are 78 today--good for you Mom.  I can't see you or hear your voice but I feel you in everything I do. 

I want you to know that not a day goes by that I don't think of you.  I have reminders everywhere I look to keep you in my heart and my mind daily. The iris in my garden-do you remember where they're from Mom?  I took them from the garden of your very first home with Dad.  I've transplanted them every time I've moved to keep you near.  You told me when I was a kid that they were the most beautiful flowers in the world and every time I look at them I think of you my beautiful mother.  I have the peonies on the side of my house...do you remember what you told me about them as a child?  You said the little ants work so hard to get them open so I can see the beauty within.  Life is hard work but the beauty inside is amazing.  I have never forgotten that!

Your old purple beat up sweater I keep nearby when I just need a hug and someone to hold me.  For those days only a mother's love will do and I need you I slip it on and cross my arms and imagine you there holding me.  Not really the same but it's all I've got!

On days when the kids have me so tired I don't think I can go another step my memories of you and how hard you worked keep me going.  It's just what a mother does for her kids.  When the kids have pushed me to the limit and tested my patience or have done something wrong--I remind myself-NO MATTER WHAT- just like I saw you do every day of your life.

You taught me to give and give until I have none.  You told me that God would always find a way if I'm not  afraid to give and you were right.  He always helps me find a way to have enough.  You told me on even my darkest days I am never alone cause he walks beside me.  Boy do I have those days.

When I think I am forgetting what you sound like I get a gentle reminder of your voice.  Lauren singing about nothing.  A silly made up no nonsense tune and I hear you in her beautiful voice.  She has your ability to sing like an angel--for that I thank you!

Thank you for being a great MOM!  I really lucked out when I got you as my own.  You taught me so many lessons and I try to do my best.  You told me to live my life with morals and values and I would have no regrets and I have none.  You told me to tell the truth cause it's hard enough to remember that --let alone a lie.  Sometimes people don't like the truth but at least I'm honest.  You taught me to work hard and to always try to better myself.  You taught me so many things and I've tried to remember them.

I always had a party for you on this day but not so again this year.  So instead I pray for you and your safety.  I pray that God gives you a blissful day!  I sincerely hope you are just happy in what you can remember.

I hope one day to see you again and just hear your voice.  Until then I will call even if no one answers.  I will send you cards even if they are returned.  Today I sent you flowers--maybe they won't know it's me who sent them. You will know the iris is from me!

I love you Mom more than you will ever know.  I am here whenever you need me.  Call me and I'll be there in a heartbeat to bring you home where you belong. 

Happy Birthday to you my wonderful Mother!

I will always love you...forever.