July 10

Today is the day I am going to talk about Mama Smith. Since today is my actual birthday, the one true person that should be celebrating it is my mom. It is no easy feat ( from what I hear) to give birth to a baby. In fact, it has been compared to having to pass a kidney stone ( which is more painful than childbirth- but stay with me). And then all the diapers, clothing, food, love, wisdom, MONEY, etc, that goes into raising a child. Sheesh! At any rate, it is not an easy thing to raise a child in the world, yet Mama Smith did it and did it well.

Many years ago, I can't remember when, I read an article in some women's magazine about a woman who had a great relationship with her mom. Every year on her birthday, she would send her mom a  sort of birthday/thank- you- for- giving- birth- to- me gift. I decided to borrow that idea and follow her lead. Every year, on July 10, I send my mom a birthday gift. That gift is always accompanied with a heartfelt card. The back story which I haven't told yet is this: my father passed away when I was nine, and it has been just my mom and I since then. She has given me everything and made me who I am today. Without getting mushy, I am truly blessed.

So, today on my birthday I am giving thanks to my mom. You are a beautiful, smart , funny and so many more adjectives could describe you which won't fit on the page woman. I am lucky to have you as my mom and role model to be a good daughter/wife/human being.

I love you Mama!!