mama

I went looking

looking through albums and albums of photographs on my computer

literally hundreds of pictures

looking for you

just you 

in the forefront and center

the focus on you

and as I looked through months and years of pictures

all of a sudden it hit me

and I looked again

there you were

in the background of handfuls and handfuls of photographs

smiling as you watched my little girlie posing for the camera with other relatives

making funny faces just to see that same munchkin laugh

your hands keeping her balanced as she tried some crazy stunt

a joy-filled expression on your face as you watched ellie meeting her baby brother for the first time

and I realized something...

you never were the center of attention

all those years growing up

and it was never all about you

it was about your Jesus

it was about your family

it was about your friends...

and I know they would all agree with me when I say that you always put others first

other's stories

other's hurt

other's needs

and as your daughters we knew that you cared for us more than the accolades of the world

or the bravo from other moms

you did what was best for us

regardless of what others thought or did

you were always in the background

cheering us on

motivating us to bigger and higher goals and life purpose

Mama of mine, thank you for letting us SHINE!

thank you for always being there...

still being there...

we are all grown up, but I know that I, for one, still need my mama

I may have two little ones of my own

but that just makes it all the more evident to me the value

of your wisdom and advice

your encouragement and moral support

and for all that, I say the most humble

THANK YOU

thank you for being the best Mama a girl could ever have

I love you

Happy Birthday!!!