Miss Green Goes to Mars: Birthday Wishes

My mom is 86 years old today. 86 years is a long time. I am proud of her and so happy she is my mom.

I gave her a 'thank you' note, along with a pretty pink sweater, a pretty black and white scarf, and a 'task' lamp which will hopefully help her see better to read. Happy Birthday, Mom! You are the best. Here's the note I wrote for her:

For Mom with Love on your 86^th Birthday

Thank you for sending me to sell chili supper tickets for the seminarians and poppies for the American Legion—it taught me self-confidence and the need to get behind a worthy cause.

Thank you for being a stay-at-home mom—you taught me to value motherhood and grounded me for life.

Thank you for teaching the handicapped about God’s love—it demonstrated in a profound way that all are worthy and lovable.

Thank you for believing in my athletic ability and supporting me in those endeavors—it taught me about teamwork, hard work, and that bus trips to Oshkosh could be a lot of fun!

Thank you for loving Dad—you showed me, even before I needed to know, how to be a married woman.

Thank you for having six children in spite of what the doctor said—if not, I wouldn’t be here!

Thank you for your love of reading and learning—what a wonderful gift to give a child!

Thank you for listening to me the night I called from Eau Claire and said “I’m not going back to that hospital. I just can’t do it”—you told me I could, that it would get better…and it did!

Thank you for your ministry to the sick and dying, especially to grandma—it shaped me and helped me to be comfortable; to see the person, not the illness.

Thank you for tents over the clotheslines, garage shows, and that brand new banana seat bike—I had a charmed childhood and look back with many smiles.

Thank you for being the best grandma and great-grandma for our children—I believe they know how blessed they are and have a deeper understanding of family because of you.

Thank you for supporting my writing—you’ve been my best cheerleader over the years, and I can always count on you to applaud what I create J

Thank you for listening to people all these years—you have a keen sense about humanity which is a true gift.

Thank you for your faithfulness to our God—it is the best and greatest gift you’ve given me. He will never fail us and I know this because you have shown me.

Thank you for being my mom—you are the best and I wouldn’t trade you for anyone!

I love you, Mom. Happy Birthday!

Mary