Happy birthday Mom!

Dear Mom…

Happy birthday!  

You would of been 81 years old today if you had not be taken to be in a better place.  I am glad that your pain is gone and you are having a lot of quality time now.  I do miss your smile and your words of wisdom.  You lead by example and I hope I have learned from your teachings and how you lived your life.

You were the most fair person I ever met.  Nobody ever treated me better than you did.  I know I was a handful at times as a kid, but you knew exactly how to handle me.  You made me think for myself more than anyone ever before or after, which I am gratefully thankful for.  You gave me the tools so I could think for myself, plan accordingly, and try to be a better person.  For that I am so thankful for.  Thank you for being exactly who you are.

I know after you passed over I did not go to the funeral home to see you one last time.  I just could not do it.  I knew you had already gave me everything I needed and the last time I saw you was enough for me.  I did not need to see you laying there lifeless because you had already left there.  I apologize if it was offensive, but that was not my intent.  I hope you know that.

For six months afterwards on my drive into work, I saw a bird through my sunroof, maybe it was a hawk, I am not sure, but this bird would follow me as I drove along the coast and when I turned east it turned with me.  I knew it was your spirit following me, letting me know I was not alone.  It was there every single day, flying right above me as I drove my car.  I remember later, after Dad died there were now two birds that did the same thing, following me in the morning. I assumed it was you both. That lasted about a week and I remember one morning talking to you both with tears in my eyes and saying that I appreciated you and Dad being there for me and I said it was okay that you guys go forward to your next destination. As I turned east I saw the birds turn west out over the ocean and fly off.  I never saw the birds again.  Thank you both for that!  It was reassuring that you knew I needed you there for me one last time and it was time for us to part.  I hope to see you both when it is my turn to cross over to a new destination.  I will need you then too.

Happy birthday Mom!  I love you so very much!

Love, always and forever,

Your son,

Michael Joseph