Last year, on this date, my mother celebrated her 79th birthday.
She had her hair done.
She received flowers.
Birthday cards were lined up around the living room.
Ribbons festooned her walker.
She had visitors.
She delightedly opened small gifts.
Mom was living the last few weeks of her life, and she knew it.
Still, with good example and extreme grace, she was teaching.
LIVE every day.
CHERISH every moment.
CELEBRATE when you can.
Every day, I appreciate the lessons she taught and the example she set.
Every day, I am thankful to have had her in my life for as long as I did.
Today, on what would have been her 80th birthday, I am missing my Mom.
cindyricksgers 
What an eloquent tribute to your mother. I know she would love it.
Thank you for reading, Joylene, and for the kind comment.
The moments we’re acutely aware that we’re missing someone are so vastly empty. My sympathies are with you.
Thanks, Sara, your kindness means so much!
Very nice Cindy.. You never stop missing them…
Yes, I can see that…Thanks, Mary.
No relationship ever comes close to the one between mothers and children, and you’ve expressed it more beautifully than anyone I’ve ever read.
Thank you! She was a lovely lady and a wonderful example.
Live, Cherish and Celebrate – I’ll take that Cindy, such wise words, and a lovely ode to your mum. Take care, Claire
Thank you, Claire, for your kind words. She was a wise and wonderful lady.
How blessed you were and are – her presence will always be with you. Missing her is another way of honoring her in your life. Hope someone is there to give you hugs today.
I do feel blessed to have had her in my life. Thank you, Joss, for your kindness.
Oh—me too–I miss her too….Theres nothing like a mom and daughter relationship…. I miss the relationship I had with her
that had spanned for years; even though I didn’t see her alot, I miss talking to her and the cards…. I am so happy I got to see her when I did….she was always there it seemed–such a piece of my childhood is on hold now. I’m hoping that both our moms are laughing together about us 🙂 I will definately miss the cards to me that said ” Love, Ma Ricksgers”. I think of her and Shelia all the time.
Hugs to you–I am with you in spirit even though I can’t be there with you…..
I will always smile at how Mom was with you, Linda. She was so private, and – in caring for her – we were all concerned about her privacy, her dignity, and maintaining her strength. Helping her with her “toilette”, I quietly mentioned that you were in the house, no pressure, no rush, no need to interrupt anything. From the pot, as if she were the queen of England, she raised her hand and fluttered her fingers and said, “send her in…”!!! She always felt like you were a part of our family…and you are! Thanks for your kind comments, Linda!
You know, she WAS teaching all the time…..when I was down there saying goodbye, I said to her , “Thanks for being so good to me and taking me in your family when I was such a little shit……” and she said, “Isn’t that what its all about?” Lol–She was right–love is what its all about.
Happy Birthday to her.
She sounds like one classy lady.
She certainly was! Thanks for stopping by, and for your comment.
Tomorrow is the anniversary of my mother’s death and I’m sure that there is part of me that misses her everyday. Celebrate her birthday anyway – she’d like it.
Oh, I’m sorry…those dates can be hard. Though – you’re right – they are missed every single day at some level. Thanks for your comment.
Oh, Cindy, I didn’t know (or didn’t remember) that you lost your mom this past year. My mom is turning 80 this November and am so appreciating every moment that can be spent with her, and my dad. It is fabulous that she continued teaching you how to live right up to the end of her life. Blessings and hugs…
I do feel blessed, Kathy, for every day she was in my life. I’m so glad to know you appreciate having your parents around. It’s more special than we know…often until too late. I didn’t start my blog until after Mom passed away…in fact that was one of the reasons I started it, to be more aware of each day as I live it…so it doesn’t surprise me that you weren’t aware of it. Thank you for reading, and for your kindness.
Oh, Cindy, I wish I could give you a hug.
Thanks, Kate. It means a lot to have such caring and understanding friends.
Oh, Cindy – what a beautiful testimony of your mother and your relationship. Big hugs from across the pond. x
Thanks, Beth, she was a dear lady. Today, August 11, marks a year since she’s been gone. I miss her terribly.
Hi Cindy:
I want to let you know how much I appreciate seeing Ma’s picture, so thin and yet so bright. It had been many years since I spoke to her. My 14-year-old was a baby and I drove over with Robin, so a long time ago. Very nice of you to share.
Vanessa
Vanessa, how very nice to hear from you! Cheryl took this photo, and others, of Mom on her birthday. She even has a tiny video of her, opening gifts. My heart just swells to think of the enjoyment she took in those small things, right up until her death. She was a very special lady!