Happy Birthday, Mom (Read with Kleenex in hand)

Dear Mom,
Without a doubt this has been the worst year ever for you, and I want you to know how proud of you I am.  You have shown us how to handle loss with dignity and courage.  We all miss Dad but it makes me happy to see how you're honoring his wishes by continuing to live your life with joy and laughter. When Dad was sick, I was always amazed that he would ask people to pray for peace for his family and nothing else.  But you know what?  He was onto something and I can see the results of those prayers in you. I think it's great that you accept the tears when they do come, have your pity party and then move on.  That is such a valuable lesson for all of us. 

And speaking of lessons, I want to thank you for teaching me that "some people just can't help themselves."  That is a uniquely Southern, multi-use phrase that ranks right up there with "bless your heart."  Even if I don't say it out loud, it's never completely out of mind and allows me to deal with all kinds of people without losing my cool. 

I know I give you a hard time about raising us in a (somewhat) normal environment with stable circumstances and lots of love.  It's totally your fault that my upbringing left me ill-prepared to handle the extraordinary needs that came with my adopted special blessings.  But it's also your strength and unfailing optimism that have kept me going.  You always say that you don't know how I do it. Guess what?  I learned from you. (And after having my own kids, I learned exactly what you meant when you called us your special blessings!)

You have also taught me the value of making the best of a situation, the necessity of happy hour, how to have real fun on a budget, and how to remain young at heart.  That last part makes you indirectly responsible for my improv career - thank you!

I appreciate you putting up with me giving you a new, adventurous persona on Facebook.  I don't know of anyone else whose mom would put up with her daughter posting pictures from Wet Willie's followed by zip-lining pictures.  I wish you had your Facebook account when we gave you the stripper pole for your 70th birthday.  Just think of the fun we could have had with that!  My friends keep telling me that I'm corrupting you but I always answer that I learned from the best.  I'm really looking forward to Saturday's birthday dinner & pub crawl.  Some of my friends are already planning to follow us on Facebook - you have fans!  They're also standing by with bail.  And I like your idea for the rock climbing picture - we'll make that happen soon.

I hope this has been a good day for you.  I love you and I'm so grateful to have you in my life as my mother and as my partner in crime.

Lynne

Note to a certain bald-headed, thong wearing, motorcycle riding dude:  who's the favorite now?