Fifty years ago today my Mom sat rocking in a little house, and waited for me to be born.  I’m sure waiting and wondering how all of this was going to turn out and what the future would hold for both her and for me.

My Mom must have been quiet and worried, and full of fear.  My father had died eight months before and she had moved thousands of miles into a new house, to raise their five (and soon 6) children alone.  I wish so much I could go back and tell her it was all going to turn out perfectly.  She would thrive as a woman and as a mother, in every conceivable way.  She would dance and sing, and enjoy life, and squeeze out every drop of happiness she could before she left.

My Mom must have snuggled with me in the hospital bed, not knowing how we would manage and how she would have the energy to raise all of her children alone.  A hospital bed in 1965, without a husband, and with five children waiting at home for her to return.  I hope she looked down at me and saw how much I already loved her, and how happy we would all be, just having her as our Mom.

And it all did turn out amazingly.  All six of us grew to become healthy, happy, passionate, adults who are interested in a multitude of different things.  We all loved my Mom and love each other to this day, finding our best friends and support in our siblings.  Sixteen grandchildren came from those children, and soon a little great grandchild who we all love to pieces already, just knowing she will be part of our fold and ready to welcome her in.

I know from my own experiences that being a Mom has ups and downs, and moments of wondering if you are going to even make it through a day.  I’m certain my Mom had many of these roller coaster rides, and days that seemed endless and lonely.  But the things I remember about being with my Mom growing up are all about laughter and happiness and love.  Her continuous laugh, her singing in the kitchen every morning when I woke up, the way she always gave me all of her attention when I talked and always made me feel like my best self.

Fifty years ago today was the day we met, and I fell madly in love with my Mom.  A love that would last forever.