My Sweet, Amazing Mama

So last night we had a surprise party for the most amazing woman on earth---my mama.

As I sit here, I think of all she has done for all of us over the years. From my, ahem, rebellious ways in high school, to her sitting in the stands at every basketball game for Kelli whether it was at Westlake or the University of Texas; Again, her in the stands cheering on Trudi as a cheerleader at Westlake and then at Baylor; or just all the support she has given my youngest sister, Holli over the past year and a half while she has been battling Thorasic Outlet Syndrome.

But what really gets me is when i think about her relationship with my father. Married over 30 years, 4 girls, 4 son in laws, 7 grandkids later they are still more in love than ever.

And that humors me for a number of reasons.

Anyone that knows my dad, knows he's truly, and I mean truly, one of a kind. He's insanely smart, worked hard to become a successful Lawyer and State Representative in his early 20's and then onto being one of Texas Monthly's top ten Lobbyist in Texas.

But he's also, um, how do I put this? He's just sort of, a quirky funny man. One that only my mother could put up with for so many long years. I say that in the most loving way---I mean we all ADORE my father. But keep in mind this is the man that will host a party and when he's ready for everyone to pack it up and head home, he heads to his bedroom, changes and then walks out in his robe. How's that for a hint.

But let's talk about my mom.

Because she truly is everything I hope to be as a mother. She's fiercely loyal to her children. She loves her grandchildren. She is always laughing. But she will cry with you when you need her to.

To have a party for someone like her made my heart swell. I thought, why have we not done this before? It's seems that often, the people that mean the most to us can fall through the cracks when it comes to appreciation. Perhaps it is because they have just always been wonderful. It's not a trait that just surfaces one day---it's always been there.

And I forget that.

I forget what an incredible gift the Lord has given me each and every day by selecting this woman to be my mother. She's the constant in all of our lives...she's the mother hen, the lovely, wonderful, strong, incredible mother hen.

And I just feel so blessed to have her. Provers 4:9 says, "She will set a garland of grace on your head" and when I think about that verse, I think about my mother.

And the grace and mercy she continues to give me each and every day.

And I feel thankful. And hopeful. And blessed to know that she was chosen for me.

I love you, Mama. Happy Birthday!

Comments

[Kelli Smith]

Gurdy- I couldn't have put it ANY better!!! Thanks for sharing- Momma IS the greatest!!! I hated to have missed the celebration!

[Jennifer Phillips Beck]

Well stated, Gerd! I can attest that she really WAS at every event. She is a wonderful blessing to all that have known her. And, let's put it this way...I've seen her in times when she probably wasn't that happy to see me i.e. "Trudi's been arrested."

She's a gift but then again...you have been a gift as her daughter so there you go!!! You are all duly blessed to have each other!