Happy Birthday MOM!!

Today is my moms birthday! I love how Jen posts all the wonderful things about a person on their birthday, so I wanted to share my feelings about my mother today!

She and I have a very close bond, as I'm sure a lot of mothers and daughters do. But ours is particularly strong. Probably due to me being an only child, and her being a single mom for a while. It has made us both very close to each other.

She has taught me through example, how to be a Great Mom, how to stay close to my Heavenly Father even when it's not easy, and how to love unconditionally. I am so proud of her and all the things she has accomplished in her life. Even when others thought it wasn't possible, she found a way through determination and perseverance.

She has a love for others that is amazing. Through out her years of working with people, she has shown me how to truly CARE for others and put others needs before my own. She has an amazing capacity to love. There were a few difficult times when I was a teenager, that my mom stayed up all night with me, because I needed her. It didn't matter that she had to go to work the next morning, or that she was tired. It is times like those that I learned how important my mother was to me. I couldn't have survived without her!

She has also taught me how to have fun! One of my favorite memories is of her helping me "acquire" a flashing barricade from a road construction project, putting it in the car and driving away! That barricade visited many people in our neighborhood. Usually at night, in the winter, and right in front of their bedroom window......Good Times. It lived in our garage for a while, unfortunately, we didn't know how to turn off the flashing light. But my parents indulged me anyway!

My mother has helped and guided me through out my life. I love her dearly! And I miss her like crazy! Thank goodness for flat-rate long distance, so we can talk for hours on the phone!

So "Happy Birthday Mom"! I Love You!!!