my cup overflows

I have been designated by my father and older sister (“due to your gifts and creativity in this area,” they say) to be the organizing director of the family gift for my incredible mother’s 50th birthday this April. As I sit at work sending e-mails and drafting up a plan to put together a DVD of pictures, memories, and video greetings from our family across the US and abroud, I am totally in my element. I am so excited to put together this collection showing how blessed we have been by her over the years. Tears are flowing from my eyes and I’m choking up as I remember her quirks, her loves, and the many hats she has worn in my life.

But what is overwhelming me the most is how I have come to need her more and more every year.

She is a joy, a friend, an advisor, a light in my life. She is the voice on the other end of the line that let’s me know all will be well. She is the one who cannot hide her disappointment when we let her down, but always springs back with the redeeming factor. She loves any song, as long as she can dance to it. She is a master at finding incredible $5 bottles of merlot, and this is her water of life. She loves an early morning walk in the snow, with her golden retrievers.

My mom looks fabulous. She is the mother of four, a grandmother-to-be, and a wife of 26 years.

You are, Mother, a blessing simply for having been in our lives.

Loving you and looking forward to celebrating you.

-Jane