(Lookout point at the Shenandoah Valley)
I’ve always known that my mother was a special woman. Perfect? No, but she doesn’t have to be perfect in order to be loved. I’ve also thought that Mom was beautiful not only physically, but inside her heart. Mom loves the Lord and her family. Everything she does revolves around one or the other while she strives to be her own best person.
You know what?
Mom is a great person with a beautiful heart filled with love and compassion.
I have billions of memories filled with Mom as does my sister, niece and daughter. She has been there for all of us at one time or another in different capacities loving us as we grew. Seeing Mom with Brittany and Alyssa makes my heart feel so full of happiness because I can see a part of her in each of them for which I am thankful.
I have always loved you, Mom.
One small story…
I distinctly remember laying across the front seat of the car with my feet in Dad’s lap and my head in Mom’s. It was the weekend and we were taking the ritualistic two hour drive to my grandparents. The sun was shining really brightly and they both were talking.
They thought I was asleep.
Actually, I had been asleep and was just barely awake. It is so hard to wake up with the warm sun beating down and the hum of a moving car.
With my eyes still closed and listening to their talking, I thought about how much I loved my parents. I could feel Mom softly playing with the curls on my head. She always twirled her own hair between her fingers abstractedly. I found this habit intriguing and somewhat of an enigma. In this hazy, sleep filled thinking, I felt so much love for her.
Thankfully, I can remember being very, very young. As a matter of fact, I can remember being two years old which is how old I think I was in the car that day. My parents were very young – around 20 years old. Like I said, they were very young with dark hair and smooth, unwrinkled skin. We all grew up together in many ways and I am so grateful for such wonderful memories.
On January 23, Mom was born into this world. It is truly a blessing to my sister and I that we are the people that can call her Mom. I am also very thankful that she has loved her grandchildren and has made an effort to always be in their lives.
Love the green gum in you mouth Mom (hee hee)
I am a mother now, and so I know
Hard work is mixed together with the fun;
You learned that when you raised me long ago.
I think of all the things you gave to me:
Sacrifice, devotion, love and tears,
Your heart, your mind, your energy and soul–
All these you spent on me throughout the years.
You loved me with a never-failing love
You gave me strength and sweet security,
And then you did the hardest thing of all:
You let me separate and set me free.
Every day, I try my best to be
A mother like the mom you were to me.
By Joanna Fuchs
“I’m Wishing” that you have a Happy Birthday Mom!
Happy Birthday "MOM!" You must be a beautiful person inside and out to produce such a beautiful person as your daughter. We love her. Hope you have a wonderful birthday.
That is so sweet Kristi. Thank you! You're quite a wonderful woman yourself you know. :o)
Happy Birthday Mom! Love the hair! Makes me think of Paula Deen..and who doesn't love HER?! LOL
Happy birthday to your mom!
Happy Birthday to your Mom! Considering your birthday was recently, I'd say you were "her" birthday present! 🙂 Lovely story, pictures and wow.. that is some beautiful hair your mom has!
Your family is gorgeous! Happy birthday to your sweet mama!
Happy birthday to your Mom!!! She is such a beautiful woman. And you are, too! I love your red hair!
Have a wonderful day!
Hug´s,
Verena
Happy Birthday Mom!
I have to agree with your daughter, you are incredibly beautiful and from reading your daughter's blog over this past year it sounds like you are just as beautiful on the inside.
Thank you for bringing into this world such a wonderful, intelligent, and fabulous person who I am proud to call my friend.
I hope you have a great day!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful mom! 🙂
Thank you for the follow on BlogFrog!
Just a side note, "You won't understand your mother unless you become a mother yourself."
You truly are blessed!…:)JP
Happy Birthday Mom! I have to say that you have a beautiful family and as you should, you are very beautiful too! Have a wonderful day and praying that you have a wonderful, healthy year!!
In that last picture, which is the grandmother and which is the granddaughter?
Thank you all or my birth day wishes. Thank you my child for such a beautiful birthday wish. You are truly a blessing to mom. I love you Sherry
mom
Happy birthday to your mom. I have to tell you and you and I have the same birthday, Jan 17. I remember we discussed it last year AND my mom's birthday is Jan 23!!! Is that wild or what????
Happy Belated Birthday to your beautiful mom!
I don't know how I missed this post but I am happy I saw it today. What a lovely tribute to your beautiful Mother. Hugs?