Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my Mothers birthday..she is 72 years old. But if you ask her, she will tell you she is 72 years young.

I thought about her all day today, I stopped by her house twice and called her at least 3 times. I took her flowers and balloons but I know the visits meant more. My children wanted to see her today but everyone in my home seems to be sick right now but me. I used to think my Mom was invincible, she could not get hurt, or be tired, or be wrong. She always had a hot breakfast for her family, worked everyday until about 14 years ago and would come home and cook another hot meal. We always had clean clothes, warm beds, and lots of love!

Christmas Day 3 years ago I found out in a harsh manner that my Mother was not invincible. She was transported to the emergency room via ambulance in respiratory failure. I later told her it was just an excuse not to make the dressing.

This is the woman who lost her own mother to cancer, she lost her only son to cancer, she lost her beloved husband of 24 years to cancer, and she herself battled and beat cancer. She now laid in a cold hospital bed, in crisp white sheets on a respirator clinging to life. Many tears were shed, many prayers were said and she managed to pull through and we are so blessed.We could of lost her without telling her we loved her one more time, or that we appreciate her for all she has done. She is now on oxygen and walks with the assistance of a walker. She is much slower than my memories tell me she is, she has more grey hair and a few more wrinkles than I think she should have. I have to remind myself most days that I am 37 years old...or 37 years young!

It is probably one of the hardest things watching a parent grow old, THE hardest thing to do is losing one without getting to say goodbye or I love you one last time. That is one thing I am grateful for everyday is the last words I ever spoke to my Dad in 1987, just before he passed was I will see you soon, I love you!

Please take the time to tell your loved ones just how special they are every chance you get, it may just be the last chance you have. Tomorrow is not promised to us :

" Dance as though no one is watching..

Love as though you have never been hurt..

Sing as though no one can hear you..

Live as though Heaven is on Earth! "