Regenerating Keys

The Guiding Key in My Life is 76 Today.... Today is my mom's birthday. She is one of the bravest people I know. From the time I was 11 or 12 years old she has reared me and my six siblings on her own. If the truth be told she has reared us basically alone all of our lives. My father was there before the divorce, but as a lot of men are today he was not the foundation of support. I tend to think mothers (where some believe fathers) help you know your worth. I can handle my father not caring a lot, but if my mom would have been a slacker, I don't believe I would be the person I am today. I have learned how to change flats, fix the roof, try anything and depend on my own abilities(as I hope I am teaching my daughters), and not to just sit and wait for someone (man) to come and do something for me.Through many heart attacks, quadruple-bypass surgery, she has been there. In every hardship or celebratory moment, she was and still is there. Cheering and baking cakes, her tradition. If your mother doesn't love you, who in the world would?

This morning when I called to wish her a happy day she excitedly told me how one of my brothers had called to tell her he had put her name on a local radio station. This would give her a chance to win a cookie. She was saying how she hoped she would win because she didn't feel like baking herself a cake. As if we would let her. Together we listened to the guy on the radio calling out to all those celebrating today and she kept saying "I'm the oldest one" and I kept thinking 'thank God for your age, that is the longer we can be together.' When he finally got around to saying who had won the giant cookie we shouted happily together. She was squealing like a little kid. I could just see her smiling. I'm so happy for her. What a sweet way to make 76 and I'm so glad this particular brother is the one who had called because this has been his summer to make amends. Three cheers to him!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM