Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. In honor of her I wanted to share a few thoughts and memories. My mom is one of the strongest women I know. She has been through alot during her life and she has always come out on top. When I was in elementary school she decided she wanted to go back to school so that she could support us if anything ever happened to my dad. She worked so hard to study and continue to be available for our class parties and activities. I didn't realize at the time how challenging it must have been. She has continued to be successful in her career. She has proved to me many times over that you can do anything you put your mind too. She is one of the most independent women I know and has shown me that if I want to do something I can. She showed by example that I can do anything I want to, whether that is drive the backhoe or go out of town alone.

Not only that but one my mom's gifts is buying gifts for others. She is generous with what she has and has provided a great example for us to follow. I don't know what would have happened if she wasn't there to hold our family together. She taught us how to cook and clean even when we vehemently protested. If I could go back to that time I would do many things differently. I didn't tell her often enough how much we appreciated her. I praise God that he gave me a mom that prays for us and cares so much for us that she will call when she has a minute to chat.

As I have learned more about my mom in the last few years since leaving home we have become much closer and I respect and value what she did for me and my sister during our time at home. She has become one of my best friends and I know I can always talk to her about anything. She always has an opinion and she doesn't hold it back. She and my sister are my favorite shopping partners and I wish we got to do it more often. In the years to come I look forward to our weekend girl trips and every opportunity that we get to spend time together.

I always want my mom to know that I treasure our relationship and love the time we get to talk and visit. It is never enough!

I love you mom. I hope you have a great birthday!

--sara