Dear Mama, happy birthday 75 times!
Do you even know that I remember…
That I remember how hard you worked, day and night to give us what we needed, and we three girls needed a lot! That I remember you being there-softball coach, Girl Scout leader, cheering at volleyball and basketball games, clapping in the audience at band recitals and talent shows-you were our biggest fan. That I remember you framing my mediocre art work as if it had actual value. That I remember you were a willing taxi driver thousands of times to thousands of places that amounted to thousands of miles. That I remember how you welcomed everyone into our home and made them feel like family. Indeed, you rescued and nurtured many strays (critters and people 
) That I remember, and learned so much from, the love and care you gave Granny and Great Grandma, Grandpa and Grandma. That I remember the smells of our house- grilled chicken and baked lasagna and chop suey. That I remember berry picking adventures and spontaneous hotel stays. That I remember chlorine summers and campfire autumns and hot cocoa winters. That I remember your music-your volume-up dance while cleaning music and your volume-up dance while driving music. That I remember you supporting my quest for education-both Carmel and college. That I remember you being there for me during my pregnancies and my days with crying babies and active toddlers all the way through my days with teenagers until now, you’ve celebrated all my kids’ milestones with me.
You helped build me into me, and I am my mother’s daughter. As your memories fade, Mama, mine are more keen. I remember…
