57 and still kicking

My mom is having a birthday. So I decided to give her a blog post as a gift. (cheap, I know) I want to say everything to her that I should have said while growing up. Sometimes it takes you 'til your mid 30's to say the things that should have already been said.

I want to thank you for taking care of me as a newborn. Thanks for waking up in the middle of the night and caring more about me than yourself. I am so grateful I did not have to go through "shaken baby" syndrome as I am sure I tested your patience.

Thank you for letting me be a kid and not having a care in the world. You took on all of the burdens of raising a large family. Once again, you were caring more about others than yourself.

You listened to my stories and fears and hopes...when I know you had your own. You still cared more about me than yourself.
SIDE NOTE...Thanks for all the unappreciated dinners you made me. I am sorry that I would tell you things are gross and I did not like your food. I laugh each night as I hear the same complaints.

I have loved all the extra things you have done for me. I never knew how much time and thought was spent into making the holidays special. Even though we did not give you the praise you deserved, you kept doing special things year after year. Still not caring about the praise you deserved.

Thanks for teaching me to take on anything. I am not scared of power tools and know not to rely on my husband to fix things but just to do it myself. I just fixed the toilet today.

Thanks for making me a person that can contribute to society and ready to face the world.

I think you love Scott more than me, but that makes you a great mother-in-law. You always accepted him as if he were your son. We never have had in-law issues because you cared more about us than yourself.

Once you think your job is done you still have to be selfless and love your grand kids.

I think you were worried your grandchildren would have "shaken baby" syndrome so you made sure to be there. I could not have made it through the first few weeks without you to take care of me and my babies. Husbands try but sometimes you just want your mom. You would let me sleep and not care you were tired too.

In conclusion, you still care more about others than yourself and we all appreciate you and the sacrifices that you have made in your life to bless each of our lives. I am glad we have had you for 57 years on the planet because your life has made a difference. Happy Birthday!