Happy Birthday to You and You (and you)!

For 18 of the last 33 years, I was torn in three directions on this day.  Unless my dad was out of state working that is and there was no possibility of seeing him.  For the last 15 years, I've only been torn in two directions.  Today is my momma's birthday and my hubby's birthday and it was my daddy's birthday also.  My daddy passed 15 years ago.  Fortunately, this year, I'm not torn at all.  My momma is at her lake house, which is just over 5 miles from my house and I will be able to spend some time with both of the birthday loved ones in my life on their special day today. 

This year, if I had had to choose, I would have picked being with my momma hands down, without a second thought or much of an apology.  This is her first birthday since the death of my sister.  It could be hard for her.  The first "milestones" are hard after a death.  I couldn't be with her on my sister's birthday because I was still in California waiting with my son for his orders to move to a base closer to his family.  It seemed to take forever to get those orders!  I was very upset and emotional over being there at that time.  I wanted to be here in Texas where I felt that I could do some good, even if I really couldn't.  I wanted to hug my momma and tell her in person that I love her.  Today, I'll be able to do that.  I am so very glad.

I'm really very lucky.  I've always had a great relationship with my momma.  She is patient and kind.  She has always tried to help us whenever she can.  We often tell her she's "going to get splinters in her butt from sitting on that fence".  She did this instead of taking sides in the arguments Teresa and I would have.  She did occasionally try to explain my sister to me and I'm sure she tried to explain me to her.  She didn't get in the middle.  She was great at making us both feel like we were equally loved.  It takes a special person to do that, I think.  Maybe it just takes a good parent.  All I know, is that she's been one.  I could go on, but I'll save some for another time.  I don't want to make her cry today, if I can help it.  I love you, Momma.  See you soon.

As for my hubby -- Happy Birthday to you too Hon.  We've been through more than our share of "to hell and back" I think.  I'm proud that we're still giving it our best shot.  I'm glad you can still make me laugh better than any man alive.  I still love to hear your laugh.  You can still give me chills.  And I'm happy.  I hope you have a great year and that we have a better year together with each passing year.  I love you.