For the very few of you who don't know....Phyllis is my beloved mother! Yes, ever since high school I got in the bad habit of calling her Phyllis. To some it is repulsively disrespectful, to me, I don't know...to me it is my term of endearment to her.
True story, every time she comes to visit me, or I go home to visit her, I spend many nights laying awake shedding some tears, wondering what my life would have been like, or would be like without her. (dysfunctional I know...but if you saw what she did in a day for me and my family you would too!)
Her life has not been very spectacular to say the least. She has overcome many hardships, become very strong in areas she never imagined possible, and through it all is my greatest example of positive thinking and perseverance. If I had to choose one quality I loved most about her it would be her ability to make everyone around her (especially her kids and grand kids) feel like they were the best humans ever born to planet earth. I truly remember never ever worrying about bringing home a report card, because no matter what the grade, I was still the smartest individual breathing. I never worried about gaining weight or looking weird in any given outfit because she really believed I was a raging beauty no matter what I looked like. Because of her, I did believe that anything was possible.
Thank you mom for your unconditional love, your priceless example of strength through opposition, love of simple pleasures, open mindedness, humility, feistiness, encouragement to think outside the box and not let the opinion of others sway you for anything. Thank you for singing U2, Counting Crows, or Pearl Jam 'church style' while folding laundry, for not giving a rat's butt about what anyone thinks of you, for letting your grand kids come and all but ruin your house with a smile the size of Texas that says you are loving every minute of it, and mostly for giving us the security of knowing that no matter what you'd always follow through with your word, and love us no matter what.
Happy birthday and I hope I can live up to your example...frankly I wish you could raise my kids for me. I mean I'd help and everything.....
I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!! My only wish is that you could bless our lives with 60 more years:)
(Phyllis gave me & Suzy the CD with this song 'In my Daughter's Eyes' a while back and ofcourse I love it because it reminds me of her!)
8 comments:
I had to go get some kleenex! What a great example! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree Jill, from awesome mothers come great blessings!
Love you!
Dawn
I've met Phyllis and she is AMAZING! Your tribute to your mom is beautiful. No wonder you are so amazing as well!
That is such an amazing tribute. I feel love for her just reading that. The funny thing is, you sound like you are describing yourself because you are all those things. That brings me to this story...
Last night, Harrison walks by me at the court of honor and told me in the most enthusiastic voice; "wow, you look so pretty tonight!". What in the world... What 8 year old kid (boy) says that!? I was in shock. He was immitating you. I love it. You are always complimenting others and you are so good at making others feel great about themselves. It is so cool that he takes after you in that way. And that you got that from your mom. Moms are so important that way, aren't they.
Excellent post!!!
WOW! Happy birthday to your mom!
That is so sweet! I am sure your mom had a Happy Birthday just from reading that! You are awesome and she is so blessed to have you as a daughter! Oh BTW that is a beautiful picture of your mom and Ava!
Hi Jill!! That was so heartfelt, I loved it. I feel the same way about my parents, I cry just thinking about them and how much they do for me. By the way, your mom is BEAUTIFUL, just like you!!
Happy Birthday Phyllis!!! Jill, I just absolutely LOVE your mother!!! She looks fantastic and your tribute to her is just beautiful!!! You take after her in so many wonderful ways and you are just as amazing as she!!!!
Phyllis, you really are the best mom ever. I want you to raise my kids too! You are amazing in every way and if I end up like you I'll consider my life a success. Love you tons!
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