My mother will be turning 60 years old tomorrow. She wants to spend that day with all of her children and grandchildren. And that’s exactly what she’s getting.
[Yes! We have yet another ‘family function’ brewing at our Casa! Photos will follow suit.]
Although my mother told me that she didn’t want another “present”, considering everything she has done for me, I can’t just let this birthday slide without doing something a little extra. I’ve thought about this for weeks. I’ve spent hours trying to figure out the best way I can show my mother HOW MUCH I appreciate her. However, all I can come up with is this lousy letter.
I have no idea why it was so difficult to write this letter to my mother. Maybe it’s because I couldn’t find the right words? I wasn’t able to dig up the words that are big enough or good enough to define and express what my mother means to me. Every word seems so trite, so insignificant, and so very ‘done to death’. I spent three days trying to write this letter to my mother and I think it still falls terribly short of my intentions. Nonetheless, here it is…
Dear Mommy,
Happy Birthday!! Wow!! I can not believe you are 60 Years Old. That just doesn’t seem possible to me. I am sure it doesn’t seem real to you either!
I want to use this day as an opportunity to tell you exactly how much I love you. How much I respect you. And just how grateful I am…to have a mother like you.
When I look at you today, I see more than just my mother. I see an incredibly smart, funny, talented, passionate, courageous, beautiful woman who is beyond dedicated to her family. You are an exceptional role model, which has made me strive to be a better woman.
I don’t think I will ever be able to thank you enough for all that you do, have done, and will undoubtedly continue to do.
You are my go to source for direction, inspiration, and reality checks. I am forever amazed with your ability to problem solve with such tender loving care. Without you I wouldn’t know the meaning of unconditional love. Whenever I need you; to cheer me up, bolster my confidence, or sympathize with me, there you are. I don’t have to ask, or explain, you just instinctively know. You have always done for me and given me exactly what I needed even when I didn’t want it. You still have those magical mommy powers to ease my worries. Your presence in my life gives me the much needed reassuring feeling of security and peace.
I don’t know where in the world you found the tremendous strength to deal with all of life’s challenges you’ve had to face. I will never understand how you managed to tackle, handle, fix, correct, every single one of those challenges with such style and grace.
I can only hope that one day I will be as half as good of a mother, friend, and woman as you. I could not be more fortunate having a mother like you.
While most people might consider it an insult if someone said, “You are just like your mother.” Not Me. I would take that statement as one of the highest of compliments.
I never thought we would have this kind of relationship. Did you? The kind of relationship we can count on. The kind of relationship we can trust. The kind of relationship we both always wanted but didn’t know how to achieve.
It has taken plenty of hardship and our share of heartache to get here. It was quite an exhausting road, filled with devastating unexpected turns, yet, well worth the outcome. It makes my heart sing to know that we have finally arrived! Here. In This Place. TOGETHER.
One last thing. I know I have dedicated this song to you in the past, but this year, it just seems to have a bigger meaning.
Why? Because…
I really am “Everything I Am – Because You Loved Me.”
For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I’ll be forever thankful baby
You’re the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You’re the one who saw me through through it all
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ‘coz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I’m grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don’t know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ‘coz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You’ve been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ‘coz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
* * * Happy 60th Birthday Mommy * * *
With love from your daughter,
Meleah Rebeccah Hawthorne
Meleah!! This was so touching. I find myself going back to read this again … you have set forth one of the sweetest tributes, and birthday messages I have ever seen. Very very nice.
Happy birthday to mom!!! 🙂
Meleah… what a totally beautiful tribute to your mother! I bet she’s proud today 🙂
This is great. I’ve always felt happy when someone told me I was just like my mom, too! Your relationship with your mother sounds wonderful, more people should be that blessed. I hope she enjoys her day!
i had to change my domain name to whypaisley.com please change your links and or feed as necessary
all you will have to do is remove the – from between why and paisley,, everything else will remain the same and will redirect you to the correct page…. sorry for the inconvenience…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR MOM
Nice piece defiantly from the heart! Happy B-Day to ‘Yo MOMMA’
Speedy:
Really? Aw. Thank you.
Dawn:
Thank you so much
Jillian:
Thanks sweety. I am glad I am not the only woman in the world who WANTS to be like her mother. I do have a wonderful relationship with my mother
xxoo
Paisley:
I will change my links RIGHT now
CBG:
Thank you!
xxoo
What a sweet post…Happy Birthday to your mom!
Meleah you really knock me out sometimes, this is great. She will cry when she reads it.
Tell Her Happy Birthday For Me!
beautiful words. happy birthday Pam. i can only hope one day my kids will talk like this about me. i have to work at being a great mom for years & years to come before ever deserving a letter like that. Pam deserves it for sure. Meleah, your so lucky to have her & the rest of your precious family.
What a nice tribute to your mom.
It’s also a coincidence because my mom turned 60 one week ago.
Mrs Schmitty:
Thank you darling
Pammie? Wow Pammie Prince!!
Aw! Thank you!
Tiffany:
I hope JCH has something NICE to say about me one day too. Thank you for your comment. I am so very lucky to have the family I have.
Hammer:
Yeay! Our moms are on the same page! Thanks dood.
Happy Birthday Pammi! Those were really beautiful words…I still love the way you write.
Meleah,
Anyone can tell that those are words from your heart… Awesome tribute.
Make sure your Mom reads it tomorrow…
My hearty birthday wishes to her. 🙂
Have a great day with the family and I look forward to the photos.
Cheers.
Happy Natal anniversary Mumsy!
Mucho love and kisses for you!
Where are my tissues.
Waaaaaa!
That was very sweet SweetCheeks!
You are speecial.
xoxoxo
Love Ya Bunches
Oliver
Jennifer:
Why Thank you. Im glad you are back to reading what I write.
Arv:
Thank you! I did write this from my heart. My mom is so important to me. I just hope she loves it.
Olly:
I used a box of tissues myself while writing this one!
I have learned reading your posts that when you state, “it falls short, I hope its good enough, etc…” I grab a tissue.
Blurry Monitor Syndrome is contagious today. Wonderful writing as always dahhhling!!
Happy birthday Momma!!!
The gift of words go a long way.
My mommy turned 60 last year and I felt the same way. I worked so hard on making sure her dinner was perfect….searching high and low to find the perfect things and made myself crazy with the details. She deserved everything after taking care of me all my life (and for still taking care of me til this day).
I also felt like it wasn’t enough…but she loved it. You’re mom is going to love this more than you will ever know and even if you feel it’s not all you wanted it to be she will love and cherish it forever.
Ohhhhhhhhh! And off the subject….I finally heard back….I won’t say more than that here….told Tiff last night and I’ll fill you in soon.
As a mother, we can’t wish for anything better than reading—knowing that the lessons you teach them (each other) along the way are written and recorded in the books of your children. You’ve given your mother that…and it is enough.
HAPPT BIRTHDAY to your mom
Dazd:
Aw. Shucks
Urban:
True dat
JenWeaver!:
Isnt it funny, how MUCH we want to do for them, but how little it takes to make our mothers happy?
OOooooh…you heard? I need details…soon!
xxoo
SomeGirl:
Thank you. I am sure she will love this letter. I just didn’t think the words were/are big enough…Yanno? My mom is amazing…I wanted this letter to be amazing too.
You are so lucky to have each other, and that letter was beautiful. 🙂
DAMMIT! Every once in a while I come to your blog and you make me cry!! Stop it!
No seriously, you are so blessed to have such a close bond with your Mother. It is a gift that I can tell you treasure. And know in your heart that you are every bit as good as your Mother is to you.
BTW, I have given you an award on my blog. Go check it out, girl!
XOXOXOXO
RC
(heavy and deep sobs in buckets) I had to leave my desk and go to the ladies room and get myself together. My friend followed me in b/c she was worried something was wrong. I couldn’t really talk so all I could get out was ‘Read Meleah’s blog!”. Just as I was getting ready to go back to my desk, my friend came back to the ladies room b/c SHE was crying. So, of course, I started sobbing all over again. Blurry Monitor Syndrome indeed!
I love you & your letter more than you will ever know.
with love, hugs & kisses,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Leslie:
I am VERY lucky to have my mom. Thank you.
(I cant wait until September!!)
Random Chick:
Awww…sorry I didn’t mean to make you cry!
oooooooooh did I hear award? Ill be right over!
Mommy:
Now I am crying.
Wow. I guess my letter was big enough and good enough!
I love you more than words can say.
YOU are my HERO.
Happy Birthday to your mom! Your letter brings tears to my eyes. I need to go hug MY mom now….
OMG. You got me all teary eyed at work. That is precious!
What a beautiful tribute to your mom and happy birthday to her too!
I see your comments at Selma’s all the time, thought I’d stop by for a browse and to say Hi.
Hugs, G
Happy b-day Pammy…. I hope you have a great day celebrating with that which makes you happy..that is your children.. wish i could be there… love and kisses..
boobala..
If I could be assured that my girls even THOUGHT the same words you wrote, I would die a very happy woman. (A long, long time in the future, of course.) It will be a very teary rest of the night for me. oxoxoxox
What an AWESOME post! And with friends….they’re the family you choose.
Blessings,
Christine Bean
Well, reading your post – and then your mom’s… Now, I’m crying! Such beautiful and heartfelt words, Meleah. Your mom must be something special because you are who you are. …and might I add that JC is pretty dang special himself! As one would expect. Its the lineage of unconditional love.
Happy, Happy Birthday to Meleah’s mommy!!
wonderful tribute and happy Birthday Mom..:))
Terri:
Please do.
Hug your mom like there is no tomorrow…
cuz…ya never know.
Diva:
Wow…this MUST be a good letter if I made YOU *tear*
hehehehe
xxoo
Geraldine:
🙂
?
Bob:
awww… You rock!
CMK:
Who I know…and LOVEW
So after this post..
Am I (finally) one of the ‘good kids’?
ha ha ha a
Christine Bean:
Um. Thanks?
Holly GL
Okay…I am sobbing after YOUR comment…knowing your ‘history’ your comment?
sent me into a sob festival.
In a GOOD way.
Thank you
xxoo
🙂
Robert:
Thank You. 🙂 xxoo
Oh, mel, you are DEFINITELY one of the good kids! And by the way, say happy birthday to your mom from me. 🙂
I always have only 9 words for my mom:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
Mummy I love you, now please pay my bills.
Happy birthday to youuuuu
Happy birthday to youuuuuu
Happy birthday dear meleah’s mommmmmmm
Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
Live long mom, we all love ya!!!!!!! and thank you for bringing Meleah to this world so we can read all her blogs …
😉
I wish I had that sort of relationship with my mom but alas, it will never be. Nevertheless, I hope someday I will receive such a heartfelt note from one of my kids. Great job! Happy Birthday Meleah’s Mom!
Awww…I’m all weepy now. But a good weepy 🙂 Hey, your mom is a gemini … ‘nuf said!
Happy birthday Meleah’s Mom!
CMK:
I worked hard to be one of the ‘good kids’
🙂
RMH:
ha ha ha ha
I know that anthem Very WELL
FV:
xxoo
Thank you darling
🙂
Beth:
That stinks. I wish you had this kind of relationship with your mom too. Well, at least you CAN have that with your kids.
Drowsey:
I am surrounded by Gemini’s! and Tauruses (Thats a good thing!!)
You have a lovely singing voice Meleah! 😉
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
mmmmmm-wah!
Meleah, This is a truly beautiful tribute to your mom! I hope she had a wonderful birthday.
I’m thinking I’m almost old enough to be your mother;
oh well….
life goes on!
Wow, that was a really touching tribute to your mom. I’m sure she’s pretty proud of you 😀
Anyways, A happy birthday, Meleah’s mom 😀
Gosh, in 2o years I’ll be as young as your mom … hehehe …
Olga:
Yeah…I wish. I cant hold a note or a tune to save my life!
Patti:
(From Michael C’s blog???? – You leave some of the best comments over there I had to check you out!) Thanks for dropping by. But, Hey…I’m not that young. I am 33. Its like ‘almost’ being an adult.
Nick:
Why Thank You! She cried when she read this…I guess that means I did a ‘good job’ after all!!
🙂
You are so wonderful. If I had a daughter who wrote a letter like that about me I would be on top of the world. I know I am a little late (sorry) and I hope your Mum had a lovely day. I want you to know that whenever I read your blog I come away with such a strong sense of the importance of family. You have made me realise time and time again that it’s never too late to build bridges. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate all the things you write. Both you and your Mum are very special people. XX00XX
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Selma:
I can only hope I do such a wonderful job with my own son I too will get a letter like this one day.
Oh my God…I am soooo touched, when you said “I want you to know that whenever I read your blog I come away with such a strong sense of the importance of family. You have made me realize time and time again that it’s never too late to build bridges. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate all the things you write.”
….I got a little teary eyed.
THANK YOU
xxoo
I’m in tears!! What a beautiful letter to your Mother. Happy Birthday to her!! The song especially got to me….it’s my wedding song!
Chef Mom:
You are tooo cute.
Awww…that is a great ‘wedding song’ isnt it!
xxoo
🙂
you write such beautiful letters to your family. this was a great one to your mom…couldn’t read it all with the tears in my eyes though.
🙂
now i need to go to the bathroom and get a tissue, i read your moms reply.
well at least i’m not crying over pain of heart this time. very nice. hi MR’s mom