Momma's birthday was on April 11th.  This year I felt compelled to write to my sister concerning "Mom".....Although personal in nature, I can't help but feel that these memories may help someone else who has lost their mother, therefore, in obedience to God, here is how our correspondence went:

Hi Sandy,

Tomorrow is our Mom's birthday.  I just thought that in her memory, it might be fun/encouraging to share a memory that we each have hidden in our hearts, about her....

I'm not sure of my exact age at the time, but I'm thinking that I must have been in one my "selfish teenage modes"...anyway, it was mom's birthday, and after dinner and the traditional cake, we each gave mom her gifts. Well, after the hugs and thank yous, Mom reached down to get something......she then  began to pass out a gift to each of us (can't remember if you were already married at this time or not) To my surprise, Mom had bought each of us a gift for HER Birthday..... When I asked her "why", she simply said, "Because my greatest joy is in giving to those I love."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM....I LOVE YOU!!!

Dear Marti,

What a wonderful memory. I can't quite remember it, though. I think it is a good idea to "pool our memories". I seem to have kinda "shut down" after Mom died...like I didn't want to think about things, because it hurt too much. Sometimes I guess I think she and Daddy are still at the lake and I could drive up at any time and she would be looking out the window and calling, "Herman, they're here!" and running out to greet us.

All day I've been trying to think of "a" memory for her birthday.. I know she loved fixing up birthday parties for us, and decorating for them.. I remember one she did for you that we have a picture of somewhere.  You are at the beautifully decorated table alone, because your friends hadn't arrived yet...and you have on a party hat she made just for you.. I think it was made from a paper plate with a ribbon tied under your chin.. She always laughed at that picture, because you look so sad...and she'd say, "Little smarty had a party, no one came, just the same!"...Of course they did come and I remember you had a pin the tail on the donkey game and lots of fun things, and I'm sure you also had a very special gift from Mom..

Mom liked to make tents for us in the backyard with Granny's quilts. She made the greatest tents and put boxes in them for us to use as stoves and tables, etc... You didn't stay in the tent very much; you'd rather be outside climbing a tree or hanging upside down from the swing set...like a little the monkey that you were. You were a lot like Mom, in that she would rather be outside than inside any day! She loved the spring and working in the yard.. Our yard on Vista street was so beautiful that people actually pulled their cars over to sit and gaze at it.. She would take us with her to the nursery to get some flowers and always bought some pansies for us to plant on the side of the house. I guess that is why I love pansies to this day. She always wished she could buy you a horse...I heard her talking about that a lot. She did get you a Fort Apache set....and lots of "Hoppy" stuff...

But, my sweetest memory of our mom is when she was very close to death, and she looked up at you and told you she loved you...and the joy on your face is a precious memory to me...

I know they're not really at the lake house anymore...that part, I realize is a dream, but the part I know is true, is that one day, I don't know exactly how it will be...but, one day I am certain I will enter heaven and hear our mama say, "Herman, she's here!" and run to meet me...and she'll be there for you, too....and somehow...I don't know exactly how it will be...but, I think she'll be leading a horse when she comes out to greet you....her beloved little smarty-Marti!

Happy 88th Birthday Mama!

In Christ and With Great Love,

Sandy