Happy Birthday Mom

Dear Mom,

Happy 49th! I hope it's a good one.
I'm away by myself on your birthday, only the second one since you've been gone. I didn't have time to cook at home today--this is a busy time in church cuz we're getting ready for fall, plus there was a newsletter that had to be done today. So I almost didn't get to eat enchiladas, but never fear! For lunch I went to my favorite local Mexican restaurant and ordered my favorite enchiladas suizas rojas (with the mild red sauce) with refried beans on the side. I took all the people who work at church and the people who were here for Bible Study with me and we drank margaritas. Five of us toasted you and wished you a happy birthday over our Mexican food, and then we didn't even have to wash the dishes.

Lots has happened in the last year...since your last birthday I got a real job, I've traveled a bunch, I broke up with my boyfriend, I bought a condo, I got a new cat, I've made new friends, I've been through some crazy weather, and who knows what else. I don't know what you've been doing this past year, floating on the waves of the ocean, spreading out to the parts of the world you've never seen, visiting marine wildlife you've only dreamed of before now, maybe you're even beginning to turn into pearls or you're becoming a sand castle or being mixed into glass or cement and holding up someone else's house. You've held up my "house" for a long time, and you still do...I'm glad you are out doing it for others too.

I still miss you. I hope you have a great birthday and that there are lots of cheese enchiladas and home-made refried beans where you are. I love you lots.

Happy Birthday!
love,
Teri