Today is my mom’s birthday. I love my mom.

Growing up, my mom was the one constant in my life. She loved me unconditionally, made sure I was always taken care of, and was my best friend. My mother worked hard, and from her I learned the value of always pursuing my dreams and goals. She graduated from college with her masters degree when I was 14. She recently graduated with her PhD.

When I was 18, life took my mom and I in different directions. I stayed in our hometown, and she took a job over 1,500 miles away. We would talk on the phone everyday, but that slowly faded to once a week……then once a month. My life began to change, and I began to grow on my own. I graduated college, had children, and became consumed with the busyness of life.

She now lives only 5 hours away from me, and we are slowly becoming close, like we once were. I am thankful for this chance to be close to my mom again.

I called her this morning to tell her happy birthday. She said she was celebrating the last year of her 50’s. Man, I haven’t actually ever stopped to think that, as I get older with each year, so do my parents. I am blessed to still have them both in my life. I am thankful for each day I get to talk with them.

Happy Birthday, Mom.