Happy Birthday Mom

I woke up this morning with a heavy heart, but not heavy in the way you might think. It’s 10 AM on the most beautiful morning I’ve seen this summer. I’m sitting outside on my balcony drinking coffee as I listen to your favorite songs from Journey. There’s a cool breeze gently moving around me that I can’t help but feel like it’s your hands running through my wavy hair like you so loved to do. Two years ago, today, we celebrated your 62nd birthday...the last one we would have with you. Even with only two weeks left of your beautiful life, you still managed to make us all laugh as you drug your finger through your St. Louis Cardinal themed birthday cake and said “That’s good shit, man.” While my eyes are heavy with tears, my heart is heavy with love—love for you and for the 29 years I had with you. My heart is heavy with respect and admiration for how you lived your life. My heart is heavy with hope...hope that I’ll be able to pass along the kindness and understanding that you bestowed upon your children and everyone around you. My heart is heavy with your spirit and energy and for that, I’m eternally grateful. Happy 64th Birthday to my forever 62 year old Momma.