Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today would have been my mother's 66th birthday, and I have been reflecting on the ways that she has influenced me:

• She made holidays special - as a result of her example I take special care in decorating, cooking, and celebrating special occasions with my own family.
• She had a small but active social life outside of our house - because of her I seek out women with whom I can form close friendships.
• She took care to document our family tree and to pass along stories of our family - I look forward to sharing these and my own stories with James and May.
• She was the very first person to tell me I would make a good mother - whenever I am in doubt of myself I hear her words and feel up for trying harder.
• She was never tied up in her looks, or if she was she was sure I didn't know about it. I never heard her criticizing her body or bemoaning the signs of aging. She set an example of self-acceptance and security in appearances. I think that women who constantly worry about weight have daughters who do so, as well. I thank my mother for not passing along bad habits in this area.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.