Sunday, August 15th, 2010. It was my mother's birthday. It's a week and half late, but I discovered that something went wrong in the upload of the blog that I wrote for her on her birthday and it apparently sat in limbo, stuck somewhere out there in cyber space, just waiting for me to hit an invisible button, that I thought I had already hit. (Since Al Gore invented the www, can we blame it on him?)
So, Mother, without any further delay, I want to take this opportunity to tell you Happy Birthday, but also to let you know just how very special you are to me.
Growing up in northern Ohio, I remember so many wonderful things about my childhood. I remember sitting with my mother and being amazed at how well she could draw horses. Her ability to think up and create just about anything from a piece of fabric and trim was then and still is amazing. I think I got my creative juices from her. Without a doubt, I got the "I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR" genes from her, because I DO!
I was always taught by both parents, but especially my Mother, stand up for yourself, stand up for what you believe in and you can make miracles happen and change lives in the process. I listened, I learned, I do and I tend to think that if my Grandmother (her Mother), my Mother, my Daughter and I all stood together, we could probably take on moving mountains and the mountains would look at us and say "move, sure, no problem, how far? Do you want snow too?" I think you get the point. We are one determined bunch of women, and some spectacularly blessed ladies.
One of the many lessons that I learned from my Mother was the difference between a woman and a lady. Would you like to know the difference? Doesn't matter, I'm going to tell you anyway. As females, we are all women and young women, however, a lady is known by her principles, her lifestyle, the company she keeps and how she portrays herself in public as well as private. Did you get all of that? I don't see any need to repeat it. Just re-read that last sentence.
I grew up in a wonderfully tight family unit. For nearly 11 years, I was the only child, and to really add a layer of ornery-ness to my profile, I was the only grandchild for nearly 10 years. I never knew what it was to "want" or "need" because my family blessed me with such an abundance of comfort and love, that even when times were tough, I never knew. I was very, very blessed.
I thought my Mother was the greatest and I still do. The way to solve the problems of the world is to make a fresh apple pie or a big batch of "whoopie pies". You would be amazed at how many crises can be resolved with a plate full of freshly baked cookies and a glass of cold milk. To this day, even if it is crazy hot outside, my Mother will whip up the world's greatest homemade chocolate cake and unbelievable homemade buttery, sugary caramel fudge frosting. OMG!!!! It is to die for and is now simply known as "the birthday cake" because, except for my apple pie loving husband, that is what we all ask for for our birthday dinners. Wish you could taste it! You would roll over on your back, kick your feet and proceed to float up in the air about 10 feet. There is none better!
My Mother is beautiful, inside and out, and as gracious and giving as there are moments in a day. It is from her, that I most definitely acquired wearing my heart on my sleeve. She is the same way, and my daughter is the same as well. We are all terribly passionate about absolutely everything we do and we "feel" everything so deeply. Honestly, though, over the past several years, we've earned the right to wear that heart proudly on our sleeves. We've witnessed so many miracles of "living" with my dad, and growing and learning and succeeding with not just her kids, but mine as well. My aunt seeks her sagely advice on a regular basis, and though they are 600 miles apart, they talk nearly every day and have an amazing relationship.
On my Mother's actual birthday, we got the whole crew together, broke out the KFC and a birthday (it was good, but no competition to hers) and we celebrated and had a fantastic day. Since we are having this big birthday bash for my Dad's 80th in just a little over a week, I wanted her to have her own special day. In years past, we have always celebrated Mother and Daddy's birthdays together as they were 6 days apart, but this year, was a little different.
Mother, this part is just for you. I love you so much, and I think they way things have worked out over the past two weeks, maybe, just maybe things worked out even better for me to tell you that. So, from the bottom of my heart, and my kids and my husband and our squirrely little miracle of a dog, Happy Birthday! I can't wait until we go have our girl's day out. Have you thought about what you want to do or where you want to go? It doesn't matter, because we will be together and we will paint the town (or countryside) with rainbows and smiles and memories and good times.
Thank you for being my Mother and thank you for making me the way I am. Happy Birthday and I love you!
God bless,
your gracious and loving, but slightly mischievous baby girl!
Kaye
P.S. Send me a piece of that cake, okay?