She says "It's Just Another Day"

I found this picture of Mom and Heidi, with my Gramma Mary in the background, while looking for a photograph at Christmas so I scanned it for today. Three of my favorite ladies in one picture, I love it! Notice the M & M bag near my mother, this is her favorite treat. Up until the release of peanut butter M & M's, plain were the first choice but they slid into second. I had to chuckle to see the picture, knowing this is still the treat I surprise her with today. Some things never change.

It's good things don't change sometimes. We still gather on our birthdays yet it isn't as big of a deal or hoop-la as it used to be. Since Heidi's disappearance in 94', we've chose to celebrate each day and opportunity as it arises. We have been known to celebrate the first snow with some type of dinner and treats for each other, any excuse to spoil each other and show our love. Don't get me wrong, I still have a couple of Mom's favorite treats hot out of the oven to deliver and we will enjoy some time visiting tonight but we haven't waited a year to take advantage of the time we have together.

I cherish each day with my parents and I'm VERY thankful for the loving, fun, goofy, and close relationship we have. I have a dear, sweet friend battling for her life and as I thought of celebrating my mom's birthday today I was reminded again of the preciousness and gift the time we have with our loved ones is.

As I shared with my parents the past couple days, and verbally worked through the array of emotions jumbling my mind and heart, they reminded me there isn't anything I can do but be there and cherish the days we have. God is in control. When we know not what to pray, the Holy Spirit will intercede on our behalf. 

So as I pray for my friend, her family, and our community -- I also praise God for the bond and relationship I have with both my parents, for the time He blesses me with to be together here on earth, and for the friends He has placed in my life. Happy birthday Mom! I'm glad you are my mom but more than that -- thank you for being my friend!

Who's life are you celebrating today?