Today is my mother's birthday. She left us in 1999. I think of her often and think about how she was such a wise mother. I think I was the challenging child. I was not challenging as a rebellious child but as a the shy dependent one. Mother lost her own mother when she was only 10. She was the oldest child so she was forced by circumstances to be responsible and independent. I think these lessons taught her how imporant it is for children to to be strong. I thank her for giving me the attitude that my kids are not my own but given to me by God to prepare for being themselves. She was also a great teacher and guidance counselor who influenced the lives of many young people. I love you Mother and hope you feel it across the veil.