Today is a gift!

This day marks the 54th year of my amazing Mom's birth!

This morning I woke her up from her deep slumber with flowers in hand telling her "This is the day!" She stumbled from bed laughing at my enthusiasm in the morning. As she struggled to put on her tennis shoes she kept saying how beatiful the flowers were. Every girl should have flowers on her birthday but mine weren't the only ones she recieved at 5:30 in the morning. Sweet friends of the family had left her flowers on the door with a precious card remind her how special she is and how much she touches others.

She wasn't sure exactly which day her birthday was coming but she knew it was coming.

On our way to work out I was overcome with emotion of the day. Remembering back to two years ago not knowing what the future held.

I didn't know if  my Mom would get to be at my wedding or understand what was happening and in a few short months she will.

This day is special. A gift. Two years ago today we didn't know if this day would come, how many more birthday's she would have... or remember.

On so many days I take advantage of her selfless nature, her willingness to help, her love and compassion, her adoration for animals, her yearning to be apart of the world around her.

Today is a celebration of the life she has been given. The moments we share together. Her laughter. Her love. Today we celebrate the most incredible woman I know, who daily fights a courageous battle against Alzheimer's and it's horrific effects. We celebrate her awareness, her contributions, her memory!

Today I celebrate my Mom. She is one incredible woman!

Happy Birthday Mom! Words will never be able to adequately describe how much I love you! How proud I am of you!

Today is a gift!