Happy Birthday

Today would have my mom's 64th birthday and in honor of her, I'm going to not make a big deal out of it, because that was her way.

She lived this quiet, extraordinary life, a small stone with giant ripples. She wasn't one for making a fuss. She liked simple things: action movies, folk art, M&Ms, drugstore brand hair conditioner, oatmeal, pearls, and the mountains.

She was shy. She was beautiful. Her smile could melt stone hearts. She didn't make friends easily because she never figured out where she fit. With the hearing? The Deaf? She married well, but my dad's health made everything a challenge. She raised three kids she would be proud of. She has two grandkids she doesn't know.

She drew and painted and crafted. She taught. You will never see anyone sign a song more beautifully. She worked hard. She wasn't much for housework or cooking. She sewed well. She loved word games and cheated at Scrabble all the time.

She was highly educated. She was a dedicated teacher. She never really believed in herself but I saw her move metaphorical mountains.

She believed with her whole heart in God. She showed it. She lived it. She walked it every day.

She died happy, surrounded by her legacy: children who dropped everything to be there for as long as she needed, for as much as she needed. Who would do it again. Who never thought to do differently.

She liked pumpkin pie. I think I will have a piece tonight.