Happy Birthday, Sammy!

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAMMY!

Sammy is sweet, nurturing, kind, giving, accepting, strong in her faith, determined, loving to all those around her, willing to help anyone in need, and most of all, SO LOVED by her family and friends. She welcomed me into her family from the very moment I met her. I really couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law! Sammy loves her four children dearly and has made many, many sacrifices for them throughout the years. The goodness and kind heart of my husband comes directly from his mother. She is, without a doubt, the rock that holds their family together.

Wally wrote a letter to his mom for her birthday that he wanted to post on the blog. It is a very sweet tribute from a son to his mother.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

I hope that you have a wonderful time on your birthday. I want to express my sincerest gratitude for everything that you have done for me and for the many sacrifices that you have made for the good of the family. You have overcome many obstacles throughout your life, and I am sure that having us kids at such a young age must have been quite the ordeal at times. I know from my own circumstances about what an ordeal it can be. However, I can honestly say that the example you set for me has made for a very positive influence in my life. You always believed in me and nourished strong self-esteem and confidence in myself. I have never really felt deprived in my life, even through the hard times and poverty. Being the eternal optimist that I am, I perceived the hardships as a lesson of humility and learned to garner more appreciation for all of the blessings that I did have, rather than to dwell on what others may have possessed that I didn't. I can honestly say that I have always felt content with my childhood and the experiences it gave me.

Recently, you mentioned something to me that I found quite odd, and had never thought about in that perspective. You apologized to me about my childhood and how you wished you could have done better. I may not have had the perfect childhood in the eyes of most experts, but I never once thought I was neglected or inferior. Maybe it was because of my obsession of sports. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me, and providing me my never-ending participation in football, baseball and basketball throughout my youth. Through sports, I have learned many useful and great lessons in my life. Sports definitely had a positive influence in my life. Only you and I are probably the only ones that know the true sacrifices you endured to enable my participation. I will never forget all of the little things like making sure my grass stains were cleaned for game day, or making sure that I was even able to sign-up. I know how hard that must have seemed for you now that I am older and have a better understanding.

Mom, you are my HERO!!!! Having me at such a young age must have been rough at times, but you managed to do a terrific job. I loved my father very much, and I learned a lot from him, but I have to give you the most credit for molding me into the person that I am. I can't express how much I truly love and respect you!!! Thanks again for the being the great person that you are, but most importantly, the great mother and matriarch of our family.

Happy Birthday Mom, love your oldest son, Wally