Dear Mom, it's my birthday.

Dear Mom,


On my daughter’s birthday, I stopped on the way to our little-girl-festivities to buy myself a gift. The day was all about her, yet I treated myself because I think of her birthday as partly my day too. No one got me a present or said, “Nice work on the child you bore and are raising.” But I was there. I fell in love with a precious child and became a mother to her on that day. I put in the hours and the emotion. It’s a special day for her... and for me.



So, I bought myself a coffee.



Today is my birthday. But I didn’t have to tell you that Mom. I’m sure the memories swirl around you, some vivid and some vague of a day 30 years ago. You became my mother, my life support. You remember because you were there. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you.



Thank you for carrying me in your body, for being uncomfortable, for going pee often and sleeping little, getting misshapen and then getting cut open so I could be born.



Thank you for adoring me when I was a 25 pound 6 month old with patchy hair and bad baby acne.



Thank you for the sacrifices you made so you could stay home and raise me.



Thank you for doing without so that I was never in need of anything.



Thank you for putting in the time to discipline me…. I never doubted your love.



Thank you for not selling me on the street corner during the difficult 2 year old years… and beyond. (Years 13-19 could be added to here as well).



Thank you for teaching me at home. Even when I didn’t like it, I appreciate the education you gave me. You taught me how to reason. And best of all, you passed on your love of reading and writing to me.



Thank you for allowing me to spread my wings. You always encouraged my independence. I hope I am as understanding, patient, and wise with my own children if one of them someday wants to tour Europe instead of finishing college.



Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work. You and dad modeled it yourself and encouraged, prodded, and made me work. I am thankful you did.



Thank you for praying for me when you didn’t know what else to do. The godly heritage you gave to me is priceless.



Thank you for being my mom.

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. 

 (Author Unknown)


Me and Mom at my 80s themed birthday party.
A mother's love knows no bounds.