Someone as self-less and giving as my mother deserves more than one day of celebration and appreciation, so whenever I get the chance I try to show her how much she is loved and adored by all of her family, especially her first-born son. (Shout-out to me! No offense, Powie.)
In the last few years, as her focus shifts between grandchildren and husband, she’s had to juggle a number of tasks and responsibilities, but she has done so with the usual grit and determination and care with which she’s always tackled everything in her life. Lately, that means full-time care of Dad as he declines a little more every day, and while I know and see and understand how difficult the can be, I don’t often hear her complain or lament her role. A good nurse serves the needs of the unwell without hesitation or question – and my Mom has always been the best nurse I’ve ever met. Our family is lucky in that way, particularly at this point in Dad’s life.
For all that, I try to implore the idea of self-care as she navigates the daily difficulties of all of us getting older, hoping she takes as much care of herself as she does for us. To that end, this post is a wish and hope that she hears and realizes how much we all love her, and how much gratitude we feel for everything she has always done for us. It will never make up for what she has given, but maybe it’s a small start for her birthday, and every day in the years ahead.
Happy birthday, Mom. I love you.
