Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Lady

Recently I read a memorable greeting card.  On the cover was a momma polar bear snuggling her cub.  Inside it said, "Before I knew anything else, I knew what it felt like to be loved." 

My Mom holding my little sister, Tina,

me and my brother, Mike

I am one of those lucky ones who has always known how it feels to be loved. 

My beautiful mother has always, always made her children feel loved and cared for. 

We have always known she had our backs.

There is a lot more to my Mom, though, than just being a mother.  She is a talented artist who shared her love of art by holding classes to teach others.  She is also the best seamstress I've ever known.  She made my wedding dress, following a rudimentary sketch of mine, in one day!  She also taught classes for others to learn to sew.  This woman made everything from underwear to men's suits!   And you should see her yard!  That woman took a hunk of prairie and made a delightfully refreshing oasis out of it.  She is just one of those people that can do just about anything and make it look easy.

My Mom has always been so good at making a house a home.  She had some challenges as over the years we lived in some pretty rough houses.  However, she used her creative flair and always made our homes feel warm and lovely, usually on a decorating budget of near zero.

The best thing about my Mom is probably her integrity.  She really is a person who's word I would never doubt.  She's good and kind and tries to do the right thing.  I am so very grateful to have been blessed with her as my mother and I am certain my siblings feel the same.

Well, today is her birthday and I just wanted to wish her a great day.  Mom, I hope your day is like you - all brightness and sparkle, wrapped in love and warmth like a beautifully comfortable quilt.  I hope you always know that you are loved! (I also hope you don't mind being compared to a quilt!)