Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

It is my mom's birthday tomorrow, March 5th...  I am so thankful for her!!!

Dear Mom,


First things first, Happy Birthday!  I hope since your special day falls on the weekend, you will be able to rest, relax and celebrate! I also want to take this opportunity to to let you know how thankful I am for all you have done for me and my family. I know you are someone who doesn't wait by the mailbox everyday for thank you cards, but I wish I would have sent you more in the past 25 (!!) years-  You deserve them; many many of them. 

I can't begin to list all of the things I would like to thank you for in one note, but I will try and capture as many thoughts as I can.  I want to recognize that you have sacrificed so many things, events and experiences just for me.  Growing up you were always doing what ever I needed, and never what you needed.  Every time I needed (ok, wanted...) a ride, new clothes, an appointment scheduled, or help with my homework you were just waiting for me to ask; and sometimes I didn't even have to ask!  You were 100% available to me; a gift not all kids can say about their parents.

You are the most driven person I have ever met.  I could never hold a candle to the life you live.  You had 5 children within 5 years- yikes!  I have my hands full with the 2 I have.  You work full time and keep a perfectly clean house with everything always kept up.  I am so impressed that when ever I call you at work asking when you will be going home, you tell me "not until my work is done" - wow!  HealthEast is lucky to have you as a nurse.  I can't believe you work 12 hour days and don't even blink an eye at it. 

When I was a kid, you always made sure I always had everything I needed-  that has never gone overlooked.  I have always been very grateful for having you as my mom.  When I was in high school and dealing with a lot of medical junk you were always there for me, always.  I could always count on you to listen to me, make appointments for me, take me to them and help me through them.  This is something I will never forget.  I know that was a huge burden on our family-  I can't imagine the medical bills I racked up, and the trouble you went through to get off days, even weeks of work to be with me.  I felt like I always had your support and love.  It was a scary time in my life, a time I would never wish to re-live.  During the appointments, I wouldn't have been able to be as strong as I was, without you... telling me I had to be! haha But, all of the time and energy you put into my health has sure paid off.... 2 fold! ;) 

The day I found out we were pregnant with John, one of the first thoughts through my mind was now I can be her friend!!! Growing up, you always told me, I am not your friend, I am your mom.  When I became a mom, I felt a sense of "graduation" I could finally be your friend!  I do understand why you would say that, but I also am thankful for our friendship now.  You are the best mom, I look up to you more then you could imagine. Many times when I am having a difficult parenting moment, I think what would you do, mom? I guess, wisdom must come with age!  ;) 

I hope you don't actually go over to the apartment today and clean!!  Please, enjoy your day-  You have earned it!!!  Take a break, do it for me!  :)


I love you, mom! 
Caroline
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