To Mom on her 53rd birthday

Tomorrow Mom would have turned 53 years old. Still so young and so much more life to live. 

April 7th will always be a painful memory and one very difficult to get through... but her birthday I have nothing but fun, beautiful memories and her last one in particular was probably one of the most special. Funny how things work out that way. I'd call my Dad from Cincinnati to make sure he ordered the food, Christina would be handling the cake and I would handle the invitations, decorations and pictures (of course). I'll never forget calling my Mom on her 50th birthday (little did she know I was already in MI) to wish her a happy birthday and to apologize that I couldn't be in town. She moaned a little and was bummed but maybe she secretly knew I was really coming to celebrate with her. My Dad couldn't keep a secret for anything. I begged him to keep this all a surprise and he did pretty good until the week leading up to the party. She knew there was room full of people waiting to yell surprise as she walked into the party room at their local spot "Boomers" but she didn't know who would actually be there.  My Sister and I, with huge smiles on our faces, held the beautifully lit cake as she walked in with the biggest grin. She was SO excited. Cocktail in hand. And ready to give us all big hugs. Her siblings were there....her nieces and nephews, her Dad, so many friends.....the Close family was there and many of my own good friends like Melissa and Nick also came. My family blended really well with others and we have a lot of good memories that we thankfully all shared together. I know not everyone has this......I know not everyone was this lucky to have the fun we did. Sadly though, there are not may that ever have to encounter this sadness and tragic loss....back on track, Melissa. You can think of their death any other day that you want to but tomorrow you will only think good thoughts......and you will think of the last birthday spent with Mom and you will enjoy that adorable little pink cake you baked for her (if I do say so myself) and have a toast to a beautiful person inside and out, my Mommy, my best friend. 

To my Mommy on her 53rd birthday. I miss you more then anyone will ever know or understand. I owe everything to you. You are the reason I am here today. 

I wish I could squeeze you like I used to and then at the end I would always try to pick you up. Gosh I hope I have this relationship with Elle. Yeah I was a pain in the ass a lot of the times but when we had fun, we had a lot fun.......

Pictures posted are from the last birthday we shared with Mom (I haven't seen that face on me in forever. I was so happy in that given moment) and a picture of a cake that I just baked tonight in her memory. 

All my love, 

Melissa