Today is my mama's birthday. Everyone wish her a wonderful day! I am not going to tell you how old she is. However, she has no reason to be embarrassed by it because she is only twenty years older than me. If you are so inclined, you can do the math.
You would think that the feelings I have for my mom are feelings that everyone has. But, they aren't. Because moms like mine are one in a million-infinity.
My beautiful mom is pretty much the most generous person I know. She has always been ready and willing to drop anything and everything for us kids. She is proving this above and beyond by picking up and moving to Maryland to care for my niece while her mommy and daddy are at work. I joked with her about this recently, asking if when we have a baby one day, if she will move to wherever we are living. She promptly replied, "Yes." So, just watch and see: maybe she'll have to move to the big K in a couple of years! Haha -- just kidding, Mom.
I have great memories with my mom. I remember the first time I baked. I was about 8 years old. I wanted to make brownies. So, my mom gave me the recipe and told me to ask her for help if I needed it. No, she didn't stand there and just have me pour the ingredients in the mixing bowl. Knowing me, I told her it would be a piece of cake and I didn't need her help! Well, this is a predictable story. My brownies didn't turn out at all. I think they were amazingly hard, to the point we couldn't cut them. I cried and got all upset. But my mom patiently consoled me and we made another batch
together. Of course, they turned out because my mom was in charge and is quite a little baker.
Mom recounts a time when I was younger and I told her that I was going to work when I grow up because I wanted to
do something with my life, unlike her. I know -- I apparently was a very mean child! However, irony never fails, as all I really want to do is have some Bruce babies and stay home with them, raising them. My mom is the reason for that.
My mom became my best friend in high school, I think. I remember getting my homework done late at night and tip-toeing upstairs to my parents' bedroom. They would be watching Letterman and I'd sprawl across the foot of the bed and recount my day. Knowing me, I ran my mouth like crazy and didn't do much listening. My mom always listened.
When I looked at going to college on the East Coast, I couldn't bear the thought of being that far away from my mom, so I went 2 1/2 hours away so I could come home a couple of times a month. Sometimes, I just needed a hug from mom. And each time I headed back to school, I always cried! It could be considered silly, but it wasn't. I am a mama's girl. I think I always will be.
Even though I am so close to my mom, she has never tried to hold me back, just to be near her. When I decided to move to DC, it was hard on her, but she was always supportive. She was so excited when Stephen became a serious part of my life! And then, our move to the big K, I think has and will continue to be the hardest on my mom. We are used to talking to each other every day. That won't really be a reality still. But, because we have such a communicative, strong relationship, I know she misses me and loves me no matter what.
When we said good-bye in New York just a few weeks ago, my mom whispered in my ear that she is proud of me. ME! I have been reminding myself of that repeatedly during these changes we've been experiencing.
Mom, I love you so much. And I hope you have an unforgettable 39th year! Hehe.
I look forward to so many more years of memories with you, Mama. I am blessed to have you in my life.
