November 1, 2006
Happy Birthday, Mom
Today is my mother’s birthday. She is 55 today and has officially entered the world of Senior Citizen’s Discounts. I have carefully instructed my sister to get the appropriate birthday card for this occasion because last year, my dear sister gave my mother a card that said, “Happy Birthday, Senior!” or something along those lines. To which my mother sarcastically replied, “Gee thanks, but I’m only FIFTY-FOUR! Save this for next year!!” I wonder if Hallmark makes a “You don’t look a day over thirty-five” card?
My dear mother was born November 1, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest of 7 children. When she was a year old my grandparents moved back to Wisconsin to purchase a farm. My mother was a bright child, always got good grades, always obeyed her parents. She went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and became a teacher after graduating. She later quit when she married my father. I guess back in those days, a woman was expected to be a stay-at-home-mother.
My mom has always been supportive of me when I need it most. She tries so hard to keep her children close and I feel terrible because sometimes I pull away when I feel smothered. Now that I’m a mother, I realize how much my own mother loves me. I regret not realizing this before.
When I gave birth to Dawson, my relationship with Mom became much stronger. She loves her grandson so very much and I suppose she sees a little bit of me in him. Isn’t it funny how we resemble our family members? Genetics are complex.
I’m told I look just like my mother. Sometimes Doug tells me I say things that my mom will say. Sometimes I catch myself saying the exact same things my mother says to me and I get a little freaked out. Freaked out because I don’t know if I can ever be as amazing as my mom, but I can sure try.
Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you! And as Dawson would say, “Nonna!” Happy Birthday!
Posted by Dana @ 6:00 am • NaBloPoMo, Uncategorized
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November 1st, 2006 at 5:26 pm, becca Says:
isnt it crazy how when you have your own child, you have a new found appreication for your parents and or/other people with children!
November 1st, 2006 at 6:36 pm, Dana Says:
Becca, that is so true! That’s exactly how I feel now. I appreciate my parents a whole lot more!
November 1st, 2006 at 10:19 pm, becca Says:
I just came back to tell you thanks for renting. You will have to come to SF one day. Put it on your list !