Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Today would be my mother's 65th birthday! Wow. . . . she passed at the mere age of 38, which I am rapidly approaching. The year she was born, 1944, she was actually born on Thanksgiving and her father, who was a merchant seaman, was somewhere off the coast of Asia. A few years back, we found the telegram he sent to welcome his baby girl and to congratulate his wife, my Grandma, on their new addition. Joan Elizabeth Conrad.

My mother died the summer after 2nd grade. . . . Madeline just entered 3rd grade and I often wonder what she would remember of me if I were to be gone tomorrow. Morbid, I know yet inspiring to make the best possible memories with my children. My mother never had her ears pierced, but somehow by age 12, I had (and my older sisters) had begged and pleaded with our father to let us do what could not be undone, pierce our ears! When Madeline had her ears pierced for her 9th birthday it was bittersweet. My little baby girl is growing up, too quickly. But I am so lucky to have been there when she got her ears pierced. For my own mother never saw me get mine pierced, did not see go to my first "formal" dance with an actual boy (bleh), graduate, get married, or hold her grandchildren.

Not a day goes by that I still do not think of her after 26 years. I barely knew my mother, but as a mother myself now, I feel we are getting to know each other more each day. So today I say "Happy Birthday Mom!!!" I truly do not remember ever celebrating her birthday, only Thanksgiving. . . . .so this year, as with each one that passes, I will give thanks for my wonderful children who bring me so much joy and for the incredible family I have, including those who have passed.

Love to my Mom and all moms out there. . . . . . Hug your babies today and Live4Today!!!