Happy Birthday, Mom!

Over the last few years I have written a lot about my dad, which I feel is understandable. It is time to talk about the amazing love of his life, my mother.

She is a perfect match for my dad because she, too, is so selfless and generous. She is always willing to give her time, money or whatever is necessary to anyone in need. She always writes thank you notes, sends letters, and is just the most thoughtful person I know.

She taught her daughters (and son!) how to love others. She is nonjudgmental and treats everyone she meets with kindness. She works for the local post office and knows everyone in our town. They all love her!!

She is the most beautiful, fun loving grandma I know. When she comes to visit, no one can believe she is my mom. ( I definitely look more like my dad!) She is so young and active and loves to play with my kids. They ask all the time when they can go to Grandma Nise's house. I love watching her with my kids, especially my little Emily. She is so kind and loves to send them surprises in the mail.

She has been my lifeline when I have had my babies. I was so disappointed when I had my first C-section and she came and really helped out. With #2 and #3 kid, I really enjoyed my hospital stay, knowing she was taking good care of the house and the other kiddos.

She was always such a great example to me of how to be a loving wife. She always spoke kindly to my dad, and when things were hard at the end, you never heard a word of complaint from her. She treated him so tenderly, it was one of the greatest blessings of my life to witness that love and care. Their marriage is so pure and beautiful and I am so grateful I was born into their family. She was married at 16, had my sister at 19, and it amazes me the maturity she must have had for how young she was! I don't think I truly appreciated this until I was married with children!

I was not an easy teenager and she showed me unconditional love, even when I didn't make the best choices. She always showed confidence in my ability to do the right thing and let me figure things out. She was extremely patient with me (and still is!) Having four teenage daughters so close together could not have been easy! I think she raised us very well!

So, mom, I wish I could be there with you today. I hope you know how much I love and adore and appreciate you and all you do. Happy Birthday!!