A Special Day

Today is a pretty amazing day in history for two very special reasons.

First, in 1959, my precious mother was born.  The second child (of four) and first girl (of two).  Today she celebrates 55 years.  She's beautiful, independent, and strong.  She loves to read and plays a mean game of poker. 

Clockwise from top left

1.  Riding her tricycle at age 3 or 4.

2. That time I caught her binge watching The Vampire Diaries on her laptop...with headphones.

3. A family reunion a few years ago with my dad and the Husband.

4. Kindergarten school picture I believe.

4. My most favorite picture of my parents.  Olan Mills circa 1985?  This was before brother was born.

5. My mom was her (and later mine) high school's first ever prom queen.  I'm really digging my Granny's pink pantsuit and my Pawpaw looked sharp as always in a jacket and tie.

6. Mom and I after a trip to Panama City Beach (again before Brother was born).

7. A recent picture from a trip to Mississippi.  My mom rocking the animal print.  Stylish as always.

I wish my mom many, many more wonderful birthdays.  This makes me happy.  It fills me with joy that I can celebrate her birthday with her.

The second reason today is special is because on this day in 1967, my sweet cousin Kim was born.  My dad was the youngest of his siblings by a fairly large age gap so he ended up being closer in age to his nieces and nephews.  He was especially close to Kim.  When I was growing up, I always looked to Kim.  She was always so sweet to me and she loved her family fiercely.    I bring up her birthday because this is her first birthday that we have been without her.  Maybe I'll talk more about her later but her passing is still so fresh and raw.  It makes my heart ache.  So today I don't want to talk about that.  I want to remember her life and the wonderful memories I have both as a little girl and as an adult.  Like my mom, Kim was strong and independent.  And beautiful. 

 Kim and my Dad at one of our famous family karaoke gatherings.



So today can be bittersweet if I let it but I'm choosing not to recognize those aching feelings.  Today is about celebrating.  I'm so happy that God chose August 27th to give these two beautiful women to the world.  They have each made this world, and my life, a better place.