Today is my mom’s birthday. I am just now coming home after spending the day with her in West Virginia. My dad and her own The Carriage Inn Bed & Breakfast in Charles Town, so Fridays and Saturdays are their busiest days of the week. Of course, this year my mom’s birthday falls on a Friday, and we can’t celebrate on her actual day the way she deserves to be celebrated.  So I just decided to go and be with her and even follow her around while she cleaned rooms or helped the guests, just so I could be in her presence today.

I love her even though she splashes dead fish water in my mouth, sends random pictures of people to us on Facebook, can never ever find her keys, even though they’re usually always in the same spot.  I love the way she loves my kids, and the way my kids love her. I love the way that my dad and her are still so completely in love after 30 years. I love the way that she is open minded and supportive. I love laughing with her. I love the way even after all this time, she still knows how to be a silly and have fun!

My mom deserves the world on a silver platter. She is one of the most gracious people I have ever met, and you don’t have to earn it. Her heart is just overflowing with love for people, and I am lucky to experience that more than most. Happy Birthday Mom.