Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. I will not tell you what birthday it is for her, because she is a lady and a lady never tells her age. But it's a bigg'un. And it rhymes with pleventy.

My mom is an inspiration to me. She handles difficulties with grace and rarely complains. She has been having a difficult time with her health lately, but she is meeting the challenges head on and is upbeat and positive. She is a great example of trusting God when times are questionable, I love having her influence in my life.

My mother taught me how to keep a home. Now, those of you who have seen my home lately should not judge, she keeps a much cleaner house than I do! But she taught me to sew, she taught me to fold a fitted bed sheet so well that it looks like a flat one, she taught me the importance of ironing tablecloths to make them look nice and make others feel welcome and at ease. And although I do not choose to follow most etiquette rules right now, it is nice to know that I can host a big fancy dinner party without worrying if I am doing everything right.

Growing up, she treated all of my friends with kindness and grace. She is sincerely caring about everyone she meets, can make everyone feel comfortable and has a great sense of humor and a quick wit.

I have a great relationship with my mom now. We are friends, the mother-daughter dynamic, although it will always be there, is fading away. She understands if I call her merely because I need to talk to a grown up, or if I am bursting to tell someone some silly thing the kids did.

She delights in my children and praises my parenting. She understands that my house is a mess, and she will, without judgement, pitch in to help do the things that I do not have time for. She has a very kind heart and is one of the nicest people I have ever met.

I love you, Mom.

Happy Birthday!