Mom...

"Rise and shine in the early morning,
Shine your light on everyone.
Makes no difference who you are,
Stand right up and have your say.
SAY!"

These are the words that greeted me many many mornings of my childhood before I even opened my eyes. They were delivered in my mom's silly singsongy voice from beside my bed each and every day. I have no idea where this song comes from or who the artist was, but it runs through my mind quite often.

Today would have been my Mom's 63rd birthday, but instead she remains a young 54 for all time in our thoughts. I picture her today, surrounded by family, making a joke as she blows out her candles. Smiling her crooked smile for the camera, a little self-concious to be the center of attention.

I am from a family of 6 brothers and sisters. We are blessed beyond measure to have the mother that we have. Family always came first for her and she loved us unconditionally.
Today I wish to be 8 again. To go to school with my friends, out to recess to play, and then back home to be greeted by homemade cookies. And the best part...Mom is waiting. Oh, if we could turn back time for just a day, to revisit our childhood once again. There are so many things I want to talk to her about, so many life questions that we never covered. I will sometimes hear something on the radio and, for a split second, think that I need to tell Mom that. Or something in a store will catch my eye. I'll pick it up thinking that it would make a great gift for Mom.
Oh my gosh, how we all miss you! We know that you're there, still with us, watching our kids grow, sharing our joys and sorrows.

This weekend I will celebrtate my Mom's life by doing something that she loved. I will take a long drive, stopping in any antique stores that catch my eye, having lunch in some off-the-beaten-path cafe. Happy birthday to you, my beaufiful mother....