I want to share the letter I wrote for her, or part of it.

Birthdays are about endings and beginnings. Of Who you were in the year behind and who you will become in the year ahead. A promise of the coming year, which holds so much.

With my Mom, it was always birthday week, even growing up. And that was a mixed bag for the child born in July.  Lol… She would take me and my siblings out of school for lunch. And now people all over celebrate birthday week.

Birthdays have always been about bringing family together and that is still true today,  as a way to say, ‘I’m Glad you’re here’

Always a gift on your birthday, even if a little late, not forgotten.

The greatest gifts are the ones that touch your heart.

And so it is, with this in mind, and in appreciation of your 94th birthday as many do not make it to 94, this is what I wish for you:

Joy – at every sunrise and sunset, and that you get to see them.

Peace – of a life well lived and a family well raised. At the end of the day, it’s an easy passage.

Hope. That we can make someone else’s life better as we have lived.

Courage. As Joshua 1:9 states.. Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’

Love – to fill your heart and be seen in your wisdom shared.

And in the words of God.. in Numbers 6 24=26

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.