To: My Mom

I saw another blogger do this for her kids on their birthday and wanted to copy it! I don't have kids but I do have someone that I'd like to write to: My Mom. 

Mom, today is your ___(age removed for security purposes...) BIRTHDAY !! You've survived so many hardships and overcome each and every one, only to become a stronger woman in the end. I'm so proud and honored to call you my mom. 

This last year you got a promotion at work and got to celebrate overcoming that challenge that you hadn't previously thought you could! It's really great to watch you enjoy your work and grow with each new challenge you're thrown. 

You started cooking and baking more often and I can really see how happy those things make you. You even made tortillas from scratch... and they were delicious. I love seeing the joy and passion in your eyes as you cook for others. Everyone knows you're the best cook in town :) 

Later this year we will explore Vancouver for a little vacation (and happen upon a Supernatural convention) but I can't wait to see it all with you! It's gonna be awesome :) 

This was a rough year for me and you're the only person would got me through it. No one else was there for me like you were. Being able to escape to your house, sleep, rest, and feel as loved as you make me feel was exactly what I needed. Thank you for always being on my side. 

There are a million more things that I  could mention, but all I will say is this: You are an amazing mother and I'm so glad to have you in my life. 

Here's to another year of life's challenges and discoveries! 

Happy Birthday! I love you to the moon and back <3 

Falling Behind in Life

We interrupt our normal blogging schedule to bring you these thoughts. Below is a conversation I may (or may not) have had with God.

You know what, you're timing is tough to understand. Sometimes you send things/lessons at the perfect moment (and it's glorious) and other times it feels like you're dragging your feet on every....little....thing. Lately (meaning the last 3-4 years of my life) I have been feeling left behind in the grand scheme of life. I've blamed you most of the time actually. I've questioned my future and my value in this world because I haven't experienced things that people my age would have back in their teens! And as the years continue to pass, more and more friends have found relationships, gotten married, gained degrees, worked on having "careers", and attained what I call "Adult Status". They may not feel as though they are adults, but in my mind they are.

And then there's me.

Same job. No romantic prospects. No career path. . . .

But then, on a day like today, you send me this article: No You're Not Falling Behind in Life (Relevant Mag).

And it reminds me that I'm my own person and shouldn't compare my life to others. And while our relationship isn't all that great (sorry for the lack of prayers and not attending church and all...) I'm still on your side and hope that you are still on mine.