Happy Birthday- Joan Eileen!

Well, 60 years ago today, my mom was born. Which means, 60 years ago today, my Nanny was giving birth to her. Time is simply an amazing thing, that is hard to understand and grasp. For example, when you are waiting for results from the doctor, or waiting for a big event, it seems as though time somehow stands still. Or, on a day, when being a mom is the most trying task, ever- bedtime, just never seems to come. Then, on the other hand, it was 60 YEARS ago, when God blessed this earth, with my mom. My mom is by nature a care giver. Who could ask anything more of a mom. I was so well taken care of, and loved, and nurtured. I almost enjoyed being sick, because she made everything from the chicken noodle soup, crackers and 7-up, to the comfy bed with the TV in my room, too hard not to enjoy. I would have to imagine, that these very characteristics made it very hard to watch my sister and I grow up, and move out, and eventually get married, and be moms to our own kids. How do you just stop taking care of someone? The older my girls get, the more I understand it. I can see Madi, and how she pushes us away, and wants to be seen as so independent. Yet, no one enjoys a kiss and hug, and being a taken care of as she does. I don't claim to have this mother-daughter thing figured out. It's a complex relationship. But I do want to say to my mom, thank you for loving me, and sacrificing so much for me. I am sorry the appreciation never comes in the moment, but rather as I grow up, I get a clearer understanding of all that you did and continue to do. My girls love their Noni so much. They also love to give her a run for her money! We all wish we lived closer to her and my dad, Papa Scott. Aside from taking such great care of her family, my mom also takes care of terminally ill patients, working for hospice. Every family who has my mom as their loved ones care giver, never want anyone else. She takes care of their medical needs, but even more importantly, she does special things, like...polish their nails, brush their hair, give them a massage, anything to help them feel beautiful and special and keep their dignity. I admire that so much. I was so sad to not be a part of her special birthday bash, put on by my sister. It looked like loads of fun, and I missed not seeing all of our family. Love ya mom- Just going to finish with some fun pictures of Noni, and her sisters, kids, and grandkids!!