2/18/13

my heart's outstanding bills

My mom is 65 today. 

Relationships are complicated things. I’m lucky, though, that for all the twists and turns in my life she’s become part of my bedrock, one of my best friends.

She’s a pretty amazing woman. When A was born, she was the one who held my hand in the delivery room, she was the one who cut the cord. When she had a kidney removed to rid herself of cancer, it was I that curled up in the chair next to her in the hospital that first night, counted breaths and watched machines.

I wouldn’t be the person I am - the parent I am - without having been able to watch how she continued to push forward even when life did its best to drag her under, and I am so grateful for that. We haven’t always understood each other, we haven’t always agreed with each other but always, always there is love.

When I was little, I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and many, many moons later, that’s still true. Every gray hair, every line on her face and her hands a testament, a battle scar, a story.



This picture was taken on my wedding day. A walked her down the aisle.

Happy birthday, Mom.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I need to read your blog more often. I love you and am proud of the woman, wife and mother you have become. Life presents many challenges, and as a strong woman, you are facing them head on, and I am right behind you every step you take!! XOXO