Happy Birthday Mom

It is with mixed emotions that Holly and I celebrate my Mom's birthday today. Boy, I sure do miss her tremendously. Selfishly, I want to talk to her and wish her Happy Birthday and hear her voice, but that is a thing of the past. If she were still alive and here with us, we'd be celebrating her 68th Birthday with family, friends and neighbors. My love for Autumn comes from my Mother. She made the months of September to December absolutely priceless and memorable as she prepared for the holidays and numerous gatherings often associated with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. In the back of my mind I can smell the aromas of home made white and wheat bread, honey butter, soups, stews, and wassail brewing in the kitchen of my childhood. Our Autumn open house soup party tradition comes from my mother. I am a product of two amazing parents and I owe them the world for who I am, what I stand for, and what I hold dear and important in my life.

In the past, her birthday consisted of fun-filled phone calls, incredible family meals, fun gifts for the kitchen or china hutch and lots and lots of laughing and story telling. Though I can't call her anymore to wish her a happy birthday, or tell her in person how much I love her and give her one of my famous smothering bear hugs, I know my Mom is with all our family today, and those who love and miss her no matter where we are all at. So my absolute best thoughts go out to her today.

Mom, I love you and miss you immensely! Your children miss you. Your grandchildren miss you. Your siblings miss you. Dad absolutely aches for you. Have a fun day doing what you do best, making other people laugh, sharing an incredible story, and cooking up something to enjoy with everyone around you. Wishing you all the best.


Dan and Mom, Summer 1977.

This photo was taken by my Uncle Sam and Aunt Jean. The first time anyone in my family saw this photo was a few months ago when Aunt Jean mailed it to me, and I then shared a copy with my Dad when we flew him up to visit. Holly and I are working on a family cook book inclusive of stories and food memories associated with Mom and our immediate and extended family traditions. My siblings, aunts and uncles on both sides of the family, and Mom's dear friends have sent us priceless photos and stories to be included in this cook book project.