D Appreciation Day

Happy birthday to my vibrant mother a.k.a. Dee appreciation day as she puts it. Like any true red-headed Italian mother, she loves the stuffings out of me and feeds me every chance she can get. (She cried when I came down with my food intolerance because she realized she didn't know how to cook for me anymore). Picture my family as My Big Fat Greek Wedding with less Windex and more red hair. She is full of life, excitement and just the right amount of motherly worry. Our relationship has come a long way mostly from some long awaited maturity on my part to know the bible says to honor your parents, not if you agree with everything they do but because God placed that relationship there. I now realize every mother does the best they can to show all the love they have in their heart. It's so easy to place parents on a pedestal they can't live up to. I learned to appreciate what she is and has to give. (It only took about 20 something years, I've always been a late bloomer) She put up with quite a bit of teenage arrogance on my part not backing down, loving me when I wanted my independence the most. Thank you for caring enough to ground, spank and put me in my place when I needed the lesson the most. Thank you now as an adult for being a sounding board, listening when life hurts, encouraging and praying for me as only a mother can.



As I hopefully come closer to becoming a mother, I hope my children can see what Billy and I try to do for them even if we miss the mark at times which I know we will. My sister Lisa had my mom's passion and exuberance for life. She would have done something big and special for her. We are both thinking of her today. I'm the quiet child, so this is my recognition for your special day mom. I love you.