Happy Birthday Mom!

I’m excited to write about my Mom. Her birthday is fast approaching and I’ve been thinking of her every day! The post I wrote for Dad’s birthday turned out better than expected so here’s the next birthday wish to my wonderful mom :) – I love you!

I cannot forget my mother,
She is my bridge.
Renita Weems

Another year has passed; so once again I’d like to count my blessings. I’ll pause to remember her smile and take the time and call to hear her comforting voice… She has such a lasting impression – I even see parts of her in my sisters in these subtle ways…

Living so far apart, I’ve learned to treasure the simple memories she’s given me. When I think of Mom I think of fresh baking – of soft laundry – and of steadfast prayer. We could laugh, cry and share our hearts over tea in a small living room together; all in a few minutes that felt like hours. And I don’t know anyone who’s given more of themselves without reward – who else but a Mom?

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.
Tenneva Jordan

Strong and centered, mothers shape their daughter’s self-image, faith and ultimate courage.  As young girls we view our mothers as our protecting angel, best friend and close advisor. By our very own nature, we accept our mom’s as the primary role model in our lives – always ready to help navigate our sometimes chaotic – emotional and biological journeys…

Women are the heart of the home, and our attitudes set the emotional temperature in our families. A wife’s positive attitude can permeate our home like the sweet aroma of freshly picked flowers…
Melanie Chitwood

I’ve learned countless beauty secrets, healthy habits, and happiness that radiates from within. She taught me that prayer is powerful and God’s love is sustaining.  I had no doubt my life would be protected and blessed from the hours of prayer my mother invested each early morning.

If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been.
Robert Brault

Through both hard and prosperous times, my mother’s faith only grew stronger.  I know no other with more courage to smile in the face of reality.  And Mother’s have this odd sense of timeliness – their words exactly what you need to hear. They’re our biggest fans and supporters – ready to pack you a  lunch or bring you something perfectly useful.

Mom’s also show courage in their own ways. Mine could handle anything – even all three of us daughters. Her daily efforts gave rise to our own resilience and sense of purpose. As daughters, we know we can survive anything because our Mother’s have.

She would reach into the sink with her bare hands – bare hands – and pick up that lethal gunk and drop it into the garbage.  To top that, I saw her reach into the wet garbage bag and fish around in there looking for a lost teaspoon.  Bare hands – a kind of mad courage.
Robert Fulghum

Now married, I’m most grateful for the courage my mother has shown through hers.  She painted my own desire to have a family. I’ve never been afraid of much because of her. I knew that I could be a great wife – that I had the skills to fulfill that role alongside my future husband, and to stay happy no matter what’s thrown at you. She still remains my best confidante to the depths of my marriage – her advice and countenance my greatest bridge and support.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10-12

My mother planted the best seeds in my life. Her birthday is a celebration for everyone who knows her well, including myself. I pray she continues to find many more years of good health and an abundant life – to know the success she’s infused in her daughter’s life.

You gave me compassion and inner strength Mom — so thank you & Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Just Dad & Me

I’ve been mustering about on my computer trying to design the perfect postcard to send home to my dad (who’s on the other side of the country) for his birthday this year. Lately, I’m quite adverse to the typical birthday cards you find in stores, as the sentiments never truly ring home.

Since I finally bought a colour printer, I’ve been designing postcards to send to those I love for any occasion that deems worthy… But for the past week I’ve just been feeling really overwhelmed and even less creative. And then the thought struck me – why don’t I just write a post on my dad? I can fit many more words on a screen than a small postcard and he’s definitely worth more than a novel, so here goes… And as this post should somehow relate back to marriage, I’d love to reflect on the enormous impact that father’s have in their daughter’s lives.

When a man has done his best, has given his all, and in the process supplied the needs of his family and his society, that man has made a habit of succeeding.
Mack R. Douglas

As most adults already know, the relationship between father and daughter progressively sets the stage for the daughter’s future romantic involvements. As a young woman, her general attitude towards men is quietly and prominently shaped by her father; while within marriage, a woman’s relationship with her husband can easily be rooted back to her father’s direct or even indirect influence.

When a father praises his daughter’s beauty and teaches her self-respect, she is more likely to seek out the same qualities in her prospective life partner. If he chooses to integrate discipline and love to show strength, she will be more open to a balanced marriage that perpetuates mutual respect.

A foundational and committed father demonstrates both the realities and successes that marriage can bring; giving the daughter encouragement and strength to fight for her marriage on a daily basis. While a mother prepares her daughter to function within a family (such as conflict management), the father is equipped to prepare her to function in the environment outside of the home – guiding her intellectual and social development.

Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express.
Joseph Addison

Growing up, I was obsessed with my father – chasing after his interests and hobbies to make them my own. He was the man of my life until I met my future husband and he will always be my first love. I remember how my father radiated respect, strength, and commitment; teaching me to appreciate small successes and hard work, to hold myself together through life’s tough challenges, and to never give up.

While he likes to joke that I was born with all of his “smarts”, I know better that through the years he himself seeded my self-confidence, firm resolution and never-ending thirst for knowledge to better myself every single day.

My favourite thing about him is his silent strength. He has always been there for me, and I know I could ask him for anything; even though I try my best not to. I guess it’s because my only request is that he stick around for a little while longer.  The only thing I need from him is his very presence, even from afar.

He has been pivotal in my outlook on life and although there are no words to describe the appreciation I hold in my heart, I can only pray to reflect his success through my own marriage and family.

I would like to thank you Dad for shaping me into the woman and wife that I am today.

And I look forward to my unborn children knowing you as their grandfather and “horsey” (if you still can by then of course ;).  I hope to one day design you a house with a big foundation, strong walls, and a stable roof that reflects the genuine care and love that you have instilled in my life. I will always take care of you for taking such good care of me.

To my wonderful father on his birthday — I love you with all my heart.  

A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again.
Enid Bagnold