Today is my mom 80th birthday! Happy Birthday!

Her favorite color..she wears blue EVERYDAY

Mommy!

I solute my queen today who is absolutely the best mom ever! There is no river or ocean I would not cross for her. Over the years, she has shared her journey of life with me just so I would know her even better. We have had our ups and downs and the ups have definitely outweighed the downs and I CHERISH every moment I get to spend with her. I thank her for her wisdom she imparted in my life and the lives of others. She is a mother and woman who will give her last for anyone. My heartbeat!

My birthplace

Throughout the most important years of my childhood life, she raised me the best way she knew how although we both later realized made a huge impact on our relationship and my adulthood. Thanks to God we were able to have those conversations and come to terms with the past. I am so thankful she made the choice to leave NJ when she did, which she no longer wanted to raise her children there.

Since being an adult, I made a vow that it is my turn to take care of her to make sure she has everything she needs because she definitely did her part as a mother. I never want to have the regret of not doing what I could for her especially when I am well and able. I will never forget her words, “no one can take the place of your mother” and I can only imagine those words being true.

This is Us

This is a beautiful poem I found years ago that is near and dear to my heart. I read it from time, just as a reflections of having an aging mother who has a fun spirit and who is Blessed to be a Blessing. As my grandfather, Jack White Sr. would say…just keep living…

Letter from A Mother to a Daughter.. My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago.” Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way. Remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair, and dealing with life’s issues every day. The day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient, or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad, just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you, my darling daughter.

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Unfortunately due to the shelter in place due to COVID-19, we are unable to host the party my sister and I was planning for her so we will celebrate with friends and family via Zoom and hopefully celebrate at later date.

This is US!

I thank God for you! I love you ma and every breath that you breathe! your daughter…Tosha