Mom's 79th Verjaardag

I'm way behind on my blog. It has been a full summer and I really want to share it here. And I will.

But, because today is such a sacred holiday to me....I need to take the time to shout to the world: 

Today is Mom's 79th birthday!

I don't need it to be her birthday to celebrate her. I celebrate her every day...with every beat of my heart. But, it is a day to stop and commemorate the fact that this remarkable woman was born (79 years ago!). And while my grief is great (there is so much to miss!) it is a good day to contemplate how lucky I am to have her for my mother.

I know she'd be so happy to know that all of her kids and grandkids gathered here in Holland just a few weeks ago. Each of us missing her so much, but carrying on-because we have no other choice-and because we so want to honor her as we move forward in life....creating new normals of connection and family love. Values she modeled to us and gifted us as long as we can remember.

 Happy 79th Birthday, Mom. 

We are celebrating you today with all our hearts.