A Month of Gratitude, Day 12

Sunday, December 19, 2010
Today is my Hot Mom's birthday. She's 70, and yesterday we held a big shindig up in Longmont to celebrate this milestone.

It wasn't a surprise party, as I wanted her to have input on the event. But there were a few surprises - the Smart Sailor was able to get home leave for the holiday, and came in on Friday. He agreed to conspire with us not to mention this fact to Mom, who was then surprised when he arrived, in uniform, with a dozen roses for his Grandma. A member of her former work crew, a friend she's known for 25 years, was able to come, and also "decorated" her home for the occasion, with a surreptitious assist from me. My fabulous Great Aunt Margie made the trip from Holyoke to attend. And all of her family and friends contributed to a memory book containing photos, well wishes and descriptions of what she's meant to us.

My father died when I was 26 years old. So my Hot Mom has been my only parent for over half my adult life.

Today I'm grateful to have a parent who is not only still with me, but is spry, mentally acute, active, takes good care of herself and touches the lives of those around her in a way that makes the world a much better place simply by having been in it.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.

3 comments:

Anne C. said...

You do, indeed, have an awesome mom and it's a pleasure knowing her. I'm grateful for her as well, for doing her part in bringing you into the world and contributing to who you are. Thank you, Hot Mom! You raised a very inspirational daughter! Thank you!

vince said...

A very happy birthday to your mom. She raised an amazing daughter.

Carol Elaine said...

Happy belated birthday to your Hot Mom!