Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I hope you are having a wonderful birthday. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you.

I really appreciate everything you have done for me. I could not possibly list everything you have done for me. I could not even list all the highlights from my life in which you were involved. But here is the list I came up with off the top of my head:

• visited Megan, PugPuggy & I in Austin in 2008
• celebrated my marriage to Megan with me in 2004
• toured Ireland & England with me in 2002
• supported my crazy decision to move to Japan in 2001
• vacationed on the East Coast with me in 1998
• celebrated with me when Arizona won the National Championship in basketball in 1997
• moved me to Arizona in 1993
• helped me graduate early from Bishop Ward in 1993
• did not kill me when I got suspended from Bishop Ward in 1992 (sorry, again)
• moved me from St. Pat's to St. Peter's in 1986
• took me to my first concert (Ronnie Milsap) in 1983 (I think it was 1983)
• moved me from DeSoto to Kansas City in 1982 (I think it was '82, right?)
• took me to Iowa to see the Pope in 1979
• carried me around for 9 months in 1974

This is less than .001% of what you have done for me. Above is a list of big events from my life. But the things I appreciate the most are the day-to-day things you did (and are doing) for me:

• you fed me
• you clothed me
• you gave me a safe & loving home ...even after I should have moved out :)
  
• you taught me how to treat strangers
• you taught me how to treat family
• you demonstrated the importance of education
• you instilled values
• you are patient with me
• you love me

Again, that is only a partial list of things you have done\are doing for me. I appreciate everything you have done (and are doing) for me. Thank you.

I miss you. I love you. I am proud you are my mom.

Happy Birthday, mom. Go celebrate.