Happy Birthday, Mom! - Meredith Rines

Dear Mom,

Today is your birthday. Happy birthday to you! I’ve probably already called and sang (in my beautiful singing voice) to you. If not, then it’s coming. So be prepared. As I’ve gotten older, I have realized just how lucky I am to have a Mom like you.

You’ve taught me so much in my 30 years on this planet. I could never thank you enough for all you and Dad have done for me. I’m sure I wasn’t the easiest kid, especially when I was hungry. I know I still have my moments when I’m hungry, too. But I am working on that!

You are the hardest working woman I know. I’ve been telling you for years that you work too hard, but you never seem to listen. That’s actually one thing you taught me at a very early age – it’s okay to be a career woman while putting your family first. I know that I can juggle parenthood, family life and my career because I watched you do so effortlessly each and every day. You’d wake up early, get ready then get us ready for school. I’m sure it was a huge relief when we were old enough to dress ourselves and fix our own breakfasts.

You were there for me every time I fell, literally and metaphorically. Which I fell a lot as a kid and spent many nights in the ER. Thank you for never making me feel like it was my fault. You’d teach me, but the most important thing was if I was okay.

You were always fair between us sisters. You never took one’s side over the other. As the baby I did like to push those limits, but somehow you always knew. And somehow you and Dad were always on the same page. If I asked Dad something and he said no then I would immediately try you – somehow you always had the same answer! I could never get away with anything!

In high school our house was the best place to be. I realize now that you strived hard to make it the spot. We had the best snacks, music playing, swimming, and you never minded if I had friends over. I hope to some day have the house-to-be for my child when he’s older. That way I know he’s okay and where he is. Of course, he’ll be oblivious just like I was.