Dear Mom,

Surprise! Bet you didn’t expect to see this on the blog today. You have been my biggest supporter since … forever. You check my blog faithfully, you are first in line to buy anything I produce (even though you totally know I’m hooking you up) and you are the first to be excited about anything I’m doing.

So today it felt completely appropriate to send you a big cyber hug since I’m not with you in person on your birthday. Plus, I kinda thought it might be fun to have a whole bunch of really kind strangers (and maybe a few familiar friends) add their birthday wishes. Go ahead, guys. Wish my mom a happy birthday in the comments!

Mom, thank you over and over for everything you do and everything you are. Thank you for always having a homemade dinner on the table when we were growing up. Thank you for serving your family, community, and church so faithfully. Thank you for choosing Dad – who also serves diligently and tirelessly. You are both such remarkable people and I will forever be grateful for the blessing of having you as my parents.

Thank you for being supportive every step of the way as I have struggled and triumphed. Thank you for never making me feel pressured in any big life decision I’ve made. I have always felt like you and Dad have completely trusted me. That’s one of the greatest gifts any parent can give a child.

I love your work ethic. You were never interested in paid work but you have worked just as hard as anyone in a high-power position. When I think of you, I think of volunteerism. I think of you holding hands with Dad. I think of you wearing that apron, and baking those awesome cookies, and delivering hundreds and hundreds of cookies to the nursing home, the city council meetings, the family gatherings.

Mom, I just made your famous Chili & Coleslaw Dogs the other day. Delish. I love making stuff that you taught me how to make — like Chicken Noodle Casserole and Deviled Eggs and sugar toast. Because every time I do, it reminds me of you. I think of you when I wear an apron or walk laps around the neighborhood or hear “We Built This City on Rock and Roll”. I totally laugh to myself just picturing you conducting that music from the driver’s seat in your Dodge Caravan when it would come on the radio.

Thank you for every sacrifice you’ve made on my behalf. Thank you for loving me through every tantrum (even though I don’t believe that I could possibly throw fits!), every mood swing (what!?) and anything I ever did that caused you worry or concern or heartache.

I love you so much, Mom. Happy Birthday!

Becky