It always happens around lunch time. I get a call from my mom asking if I’ve had anything to eat. Dare I say no, and before anyone knows it, she’ll be knocking down my door, hot meal in hand and lecture prepared on why it’s bad to skip meals. And when I’m stressed out and nutty, she insists she come over and clean for me…before my husband files a complaint for neglectful behavior. When I plan girl-nights with my friends, I get a call from my mom asking what about Adi. And it’s always the same reassurance… “Adi’s fine, mom. He’ll be fine at home…no really, he’d much rather be at home”. When my dad has a long day at work ahead of him, my mom will go along to keep him company and make sure he’s hydrated. You know, because she packs about 12 bottles of Zephyrhills. Every time. When my friends have exams or papers due, she adds them to her prayer list (which by the way, is more like a journal). And if a tropical storm has threatened to hit us, she insists she call family in Romania to tell them all is well. A tropical storm.

By nature, my mom’s a worrier… always has been. But the things that worry her heart aren’t so much worries, as they are cares. She cares about her family. Friends. Those in need. Kittens I bring home. She cares about it all. And she’ll take all the burdens off other’s shoulders and carry them on hers. Because that’s where they are safe.

Mom, there is no one like you in the world. I know I don’t tell you this enough but you are our world. Without you, nothing would work or make any sense at all. God has so uniquely created a heart in you for others, one that is warm and kind, and has taught me more than you’ll ever know. For every sacrifice you make, for every worry you take, and for every amount of love you give, thank you. There is no one like you, mom. No one in the world….and we are so blessed to have you. Happy Birthday… we love you.

Here’s a photo I dug up from when she was younger than I am now. When I was little, I’d stare at this photo and pretend it would one day be me.