May 23rd is my Mom's birthday! It is the 4th anniversary of her 16th birthday! Isn't that special? She becomes even more dear to me as the years go by!
My earliest memories of my mom are ones of comfort. I used to love to cuddle up next to her as we watched tv. When I was hurt, heart broken or just nervous about something, her hugs were always, always enough to help and give me strength. I think that one of my favorite "tasks" as a mom, myself, is being the one to comfort my kids when they are sick or sad. I love being that person for them, and I think it is because I had such a good model of that comfort and love.
My mom is unbelievably strong. She probably doesn't see her self this way, and would never admit to you that she has such deep strength within her bones...but let me tell you, I've seen this woman endure A LOT. When most people give up, she steadily keeps moving forward...day after day. She is fearless when it comes to facing obstacles. My kids have learned a phrase this year at school "I don't give up, I persevere". Every time they recite that line, I think of my mom. She is an excellent example for me and her grandchildren.
And the patience this woman displays...I can't even tell you all the many ways I've tested her in this area. I claim most of any gray hair she has! If I could have just 1/4 of the patience that she has, I'd be rich! Thank you, Mom, for putting up with SO. MUCH.
Mom is also very funny. From humorous stories on the phone, to comic strips that she sends through the mail, she loves to laugh and always looks for ways to brighten our days! She and PJ have a very special relationship. We love to joke about how PJ was actually her boss when he proposed to me. He was a youth pastor and she was the church secretary. How could she have said no when he asked permission to marry me?! Mom and PJ love to pick on each other and laugh together. Sometimes, I think she even loves him more than she loves me! :)
Her creativity shines through in the little details she draws on envelopes of letters she sends, in the ways she has decorated her home and in her ability to make and decorate cakes. For years, I have taken for granted all those cakes she made for me. She could do anything I asked for from little-girl Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony cakes to great, big, fancy, gotta-have-a-fountain-under-it, wedding cakes! I used to pour over the Wilton cake catalogs and dream of my wedding cake. When the day finally came, I took my two favorite pictures and my mom created it perfectly!
Her grand-kids think she is absolutely wonderful! I asked them today about why they love Nana-Banana. Here were their answers:
Caedmon: She opens popsicles for me when I feel lonely. She plays with me. She gives BIIIG hugs. She lets me play with her typy-thingy (calculator). She's cool. I love her.
Abby: She is fun and funny. She lets me have sleepovers and camp-outs. I love her hair and glasses. She is the awesomest-cool!
Caleb: Thuuung! (I think only Nana knows what that means!)
Mom, you are a woman of most (awesomest) excellence and you are leaving a rich legacy! I am learning to be a faithful mommy because I have you to look to. I love you so very much! Happy Birthday!
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