To my mother

Mom,

I am not there to give you a hug this year on your birthday, so I'll have to write the equivalent of a hug instead. Several years ago, you gave me something that you had written. I had never really even acknowledged it, but I still have it in a special folder. It stated how you looked into my eyes when I was just born and told me that you loved me, and how the future hadn't really turned out like you had hoped.

Now that I have grown, I look back on my life and have great memories. I remember things that might seem small to you, but to me they were quite big. I remember when you literally bought a Robin Yount shirt off of a stranger's back because you knew I would like it. I remember how scared I was when you and Dad took me to Grandma Turley's when you had Jessie. I remember how much I wanted to give her back over the next decade or so :P

I appreciate the fact that you and Dad let me grow up and think for myself. I consider myself to be much stronger than a lot as a result. I still use what we all learned during Dad's bout with cancer - hope for the best but expect the worst. You never cease to amaze me in your support and love for me no matter what. When I decided to blindly move to Hawaii, it made my life sooo much easier having the support of my family. I know that if I need you, you are there unconditionally.

The same goes for me, Mom. I am always just a phone call away. If I were there, I would look into your eyes, tell you how beautiful I think you are, and how much I love you.

Happy birthday,

Chey