Marti's Birthday ~ Team Teal Tuesday

 

I was trying to decide on a photo for today's post and I texted this one to Carrie. I had another one in mind, but she thought I should use this one because, "Grandma was so happy that morning." And that decided it. We had celebrated Mom's 70th birthday at a party the night before, but on this morning, we met for breakfast before heading back to Arizona. This was taken on Mom's birthday, two years ago today.

♥
Things I miss the most about my mom:

I miss the way my mom underlined words on greeting cards to emphasize their meaning. She never chose a card without the words saying exactly what she wanted them to say, and then she’d underline the words that meant the most to her. And many times she’d add exclamation marks on them too. !!! And always "xoxox" at the end.

I miss the way she called me her “May-bee” in my birthday card every year.

I miss being able to call her when I have cooking questions. Which is kind of silly because at this point in my life I kind of have the cooking gig down pat - plus there's Google - but it was nice to know I could call her if I needed to.

I miss making stuff for her! My mom was the biggest fan ever when it came to things handmade by me. I really miss having her around to create for.

I miss being able to mail stuff to my mom – cards, letters, her birthday or Mother’s Day package. I miss the phone call when she received it, telling me how much she loved what I had sent.

I miss the way I’d say, “Hi MomMEE” when she answered the phone, and the way she’d respond with “Hi DebBEE” every time I called. Doug says the tone of my voice would change when I talked to my mom on the phone.

I miss her telling me every detail about the conversation she had with the person sitting next to her on the plane once we’d retrieved her from the airport. No wait, I don’t really miss that part – but I do miss picking her up at the airport! ;o)

I miss taking her to her favorite Mexican restaurant every time she came to Arizona. {We're going there for dinner tonight.}

I miss free Avon products like my favorite eye-liner and Carrie's mascara.

I miss her calling to tell me the latest gossip from our hometown. She’d always start with, “Do you remember so-and-so?” and I'd say, “No, Mom, I don’t” and she’d say, “Oh, don’t you remember? She had the brother that was Tim’s age? They lived in that house at the end of the road where the Smith’s lived…” and I’d say, “No, Mom, I don’t remember,” and she’d say, “Well…” and tell me the gossip anyway.

I miss her feeling sorry for me when I’m sick, and having her tell me to gargle with salt water when I have a sore throat. I always said, “I know, Mom, I will…” and I never rarely did.

I miss my mom’s comments on my blog posts. So many times she’d leave these sweet and sappy comments and I’d cringe a little with embarrassment. Oh, mother… And now, sometimes, I go back and read old blog posts just so I can read my mom’s sweet comment. I miss having my mom read my blog.

I miss her quick wit, her honest opinions, her animated facial expressions, and her pumpkin bread at Christmas. Oh, this list could go on and on and on...

Today I thank Heaven for the path we walked together in this lifetime.
Happy heavenly birthday, Mom!
I love you and miss you so much!!!
♥

"Be still, close your eyes and breathe.

Listen for my footfall in your heart.
I am not gone but merely walk within you."
~ "The Two of Us," Sheila Hancock