Week 218
Positive post Sunday, April 25, 2021- Week 218.
I can’t think of a more positive post for today than to wish my mom a Happy 84th Birthday! My family and I are so blessed and grateful to still have her and my dad actively involved in our lives. I’m fully aware of how many of my friend’s parents and my parent’s friends have left us to be with the Lord. May they all be resting in peace. I give thanks to the Lord each and every day for the gift and opportunity to continue to make memories with my parents, which my family and I will cherish throughout our lives.
Happy Birthday mom! As I reflect on my life, especially the early years, I thank God for you. As the song goes, “God only knows…”, and in my case dad, that I presented you with many challenges while growing up, sometimes I even required you to seek his divine intervention. Yes, I remember those late nights you spent helping me write my reports that were due the next day while in elementary school and my driving mishaps while in high school. I’ll stop there as the list is long. As you know, my parenting and guardian skills have also been tested on occasion when raising my children and grandchildren. Like you with Nana and Papa, I have been very fortunate to have your and dad’s support and prayers to guide me through the tough times as well as celebrate the many milestones in our family journey.
As we celebrate your 84th Birthday, what I’m most grateful for is your strong faith and love of family, two values you have passed on to me and that are the foundation of my life. You and dad made so many sacrifices while raising me, Karen and Tom. Just a few of many examples included working so we could go to faith-based schools and participate in sports and other activities, making sure we went to church each week and completed our sacraments. You are one of the most generous, caring and spiritual people I know. You have taught me more than you will ever know. I work hard to pay it forward every day, especially with your grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
As you know, I like to do research as I write my Positive Posts each week. This week’s research included rereading a book titled, “Mom’s Memoirs”. Thank you Jessica Chaney, you have captured many important and insightful family memories our families will cherish for generations to come! Whether formal or informal, we all have mentors who are influential in our lives. As evidenced throughout the book, it is crystal clear that Nana and Papa were not only your parents but your lifelong mentors. You don’t have to read far to understand where your faith and selfless care for others comes from. On page 26, you note that Nana and Papa enjoyed helping others and used to say, “I think God put us here to help one another when and wherever needed”. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! I’m certain that Nana and Papa are looking down on you and all of us with great pride and warm hearts.
Mom, I just want you to know how much I love and appreciate you. From working hard so I could attend the best faith-based schools, to always being there for me and my ever-growing family. You know it is often not until later in life that you truly understand the generosity and sacrifices parents make for their children. Please know that I and my family will forever be grateful for all you have done and continue to do for us.
My wish for your 84th Birthday is for your continued health and happiness. My gift to you is 5 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren (so far) who love you and who are carrying on your legacy of faith and family.
If your mother is still with you, how are you showing her you love and appreciate her?
If your mother is with the good Lord, what is your fondest memory of her?