Happy Birthday, Mom!

My mom was born on Thanksgiving, and it's so appropriate. She is a joyous, optimistic, thankful person. She always sees the silver lining and notices the beauty in people.

She's been in the hospital the past week, and while she's in a great deal of pain, she appreciates the calls and visits she's received. Yesterday, I asked her if she'd had any visitors. "The nurses have come by," she replied innocently. I had to smile. Only my mom would think of the healthcare professionals as visitors.

Mom went into the hospital for a routine knee replacement. But she had a complication and a second surgery. I may need two knee replacements after all the praying! But she walked around the bed yesterday and may go home in a few days.

Recently, I met a woman at church here in Atlanta, and we discovered we attended the same church in Kansas when I was a little girl. Mrs. Hooten brought me the directory page that had a photo of my mom and me. Wasn't that sweet of her? It was fun seeing my mom and me 40 years ago. My mom looked great--she's always been photogenic. In fact, it was the black and white photo above that appeared in the local newspaper that caught my dad's eye--love at first sight.

I love this photo taken on Thanksgiving two years ago. I ran the Turkey Trot in Fort Worth and Mom was there, cheering me on. Mom has always been a great encourager, so today on her birthday, I want to cheer her on. Mom, you can do this walking thing! How about running the Turkey Trot with me one year from today?

I love you. I am thankful for you. Happy Birthday!