Birthdays and Blessings

This is one of my favorite pictures of my dad. It conveys how I always felt: loved, comforted, and secure. I continue to feel that way. My parents have a knack for creating a loving home and making each child feel special, no matter how many years have passed.

Life changes all of us, but the most important things about my dad have remained the same, his good nature, his devotion to faith and family, his story-telling ability (even though we've heard them all before--many times), and his loving heart. Thanks Dad--Happy Birthday!

Mom celebrated her 75th birthday yesterday and I think the quote from Abraham Lincoln applies “And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”. It is an achievement to have lived 75 years but to look back on a life well-lived, such as my mom's, is truly remarkable.

Mom's life is a testiment of generosity. She not only has physically given life to her children, but helped to give our lives direction, focus, and meaning. Mom has freely given of her time, laughter, wit, and love to her friends and family. The road of life brings many gifts and troubles along the way, my mom just seems to acknowledge the troubles and moves on, not letting them weigh her down. Thank you Mom for showing me how to add life to my years, love you so much! Happy Birthday!