and many more.

Today is a day for celebration; fifty years ago, my wonderful mother was brought into this world.  While she may no longer be here to experience the festivities, I still find it to be a joyous occasion.  Today, my strong, stubborn, loving grandmother gave birth to my strong, stubborn, loving mother, and I stand here today a strong, stubborn, loving young lady because of this marvelous happening.  I am feeling particularly proud, this afternoon, knowing that I come from a long line of courageous, determined women who sacrificed much to see their families thrive.  We often spend so much of our energy trying not to be like our parents, that I think we forget how blessed we are that it happens.  Because of my mother, I have a strong sense of what I believe to be right and wrong; I will never quench my thirst for knowledge and understanding; I value hard work and have learned to appreciate getting my hands dirty; and though I break down and cry more frequently than I would like to admit, I have the resilience to get back up and try again.

Being my mother's birthday, today also marks the third anniversary of this blog.  For those of you who may be just joining, I created this blog shortly after my mother passed away from complications related to breast cancer.  Its purpose was to encourage myself to celebrate life, to cherish every moment, and to experience as much as possible in the short time that I am given... oh yes, and to let you in on that experience, too.  I hope you are enjoying this tiny peak into my own little world and will continue to follow me on this existential journey.  I am so thankful you are here with me.

Happy birthday, Mumma.

I (we) love you.