Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Dear Mom.

Today, you turn 58. 

 I can think of no better way to say happy birthday than to tell you that everyday, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world because I get to call you mom.  


You are the most selfless person I have ever known. 

I remember growing up, I could sense how scared you were. 
You had no idea how the hell you were going to raise us kids all alone, on your modest income.  

What you don't know is that a box of .99 cent macaroni and cheese is still one of my favorite meals. 

 I still remember the excitement I felt when you'd take me shopping as a little girl.  Even though we were so poor, you never looked at price tags.  You'd fill up our cart with piles & piles of clothes.  You'd smile at every outfit I put on and always tell me I was the most beautiful little girl you'd ever seen, all while silently worrying about how you were going to pay for everything.  

What you didn't know is that I noticed the worn out clothes you'd wear, season after season so we could have a closet full of new.

I never felt like I went without, Mom.
You know why?  
Because you always showed us so much love.

I don't think I ever said thank you for sitting thru a million innings of softball in the scorching heat of July.  Don't think I didn't know you took a few naps under your sunglasses.
But napping and all, you've always been my biggest fan.
In softball and in life.

Matt, Ben and I.....well, we were rebels.  I don't know how every hair on your head didn't turn grey before you hit 40.  You held it together, strong and steadfast, while you watched each of us fall apart in different ways dealing with the loss of Dad.  
You have always been our rock.  
You showed all of us what unconditional love looks like.  
Our husbands, wives and children all have you to thank for that.

 When I became pregnant, I secretly hoped for a little girl.
You are my best friend, Mom.  
I hope someday, Lara will say the same about me.

I have watched you for 58 years, learning what it meant to be a mom.  
If I end up being half the mother you are, my daughter got pretty damn lucky.

Happy Birthday to the greatest woman I have ever known.


I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always.
As long as I'm living, my mother you'll be.

Love,
Annie



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