My Mom
Today would have been my mom's 75th birthday. She never really liked celebrating her birthday, and hated if anyone knew how old she was. That changed a little when she hit 70, she was proud of the years.
I miss her so much. I know she only passed away several weeks ago, but of course I haven't had my MOM in years. Alzheimer's is such a horrible disease and robs you of everything. So I've had years to grieve and some of the sadness and regrets are already in the past.
Growing up my mom was Mom. But when I hit about 16 and I was the only kid at home, she became one of my best friends. We spent a lot of time together, road trips, weekly auction, craft shows. After I married and moved farther away, I looked forward to every letter, every phone call, and of course every visit. We spent most of our visits together laughing, crafting, taking nature walks, sledding and playing with my boys. I know they both have so many good memories of her.
My mom didn't grow up in a good situation, she was very abused by her mother {a sister of hers died as a baby from neglect and abuse} but spent many years living with her grandmother, and when it came time to have her own family, she was able to put aside the bad things from her past and focus on the good things that she remembered from time at her Grandma's house.
I have learned so much from my mom, work hard, have FUN, enjoy your kids every minute, because they grow up fast, and also you want them to love you and be your friend when they get older. Don't be afraid to look a little silly sometimes. Give as much love as you can. Forgive and forget. Don't tattle. Snowballs thrown INTO the house will melt and dry. A lightning storm is a good opportunity to go outside and sit with your kids {I honestly didn't know that some people were afraid of thunder and lightning until I was an adult} Love your grandkids with the fire of a thousand suns. Family isn't only blood, its what and who you make it. Don't let hate have a place in your heart, because it only hurts YOU. Spread your wings when you can, grow roots where you are planted. Never complain. There's always a way, you just have to find it. Sometimes you just have to make chocolate chip cookies, even if it's midnight. Sing along with the songs you like. Give good hugs. And mean it.
Happy Birthday Mom.
I miss her so much. I know she only passed away several weeks ago, but of course I haven't had my MOM in years. Alzheimer's is such a horrible disease and robs you of everything. So I've had years to grieve and some of the sadness and regrets are already in the past.
Growing up my mom was Mom. But when I hit about 16 and I was the only kid at home, she became one of my best friends. We spent a lot of time together, road trips, weekly auction, craft shows. After I married and moved farther away, I looked forward to every letter, every phone call, and of course every visit. We spent most of our visits together laughing, crafting, taking nature walks, sledding and playing with my boys. I know they both have so many good memories of her.
My mom didn't grow up in a good situation, she was very abused by her mother {a sister of hers died as a baby from neglect and abuse} but spent many years living with her grandmother, and when it came time to have her own family, she was able to put aside the bad things from her past and focus on the good things that she remembered from time at her Grandma's house.
I have learned so much from my mom, work hard, have FUN, enjoy your kids every minute, because they grow up fast, and also you want them to love you and be your friend when they get older. Don't be afraid to look a little silly sometimes. Give as much love as you can. Forgive and forget. Don't tattle. Snowballs thrown INTO the house will melt and dry. A lightning storm is a good opportunity to go outside and sit with your kids {I honestly didn't know that some people were afraid of thunder and lightning until I was an adult} Love your grandkids with the fire of a thousand suns. Family isn't only blood, its what and who you make it. Don't let hate have a place in your heart, because it only hurts YOU. Spread your wings when you can, grow roots where you are planted. Never complain. There's always a way, you just have to find it. Sometimes you just have to make chocolate chip cookies, even if it's midnight. Sing along with the songs you like. Give good hugs. And mean it.
Happy Birthday Mom.