Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Twenty three....wheeeeeeee!

Darn! old age, hormones, watery eyes or just plain being sappy but my baby girl turned 23 today and my heart is singing and crying at the same time. I love celebrating every single year that I've been blessed with her in my life but this year just seems even more precious.

Taking a walk down memory lane, I am reminded of how in awe she was over the little things in life. From the moment she was placed in my arms, I knew that she was created for something special. She has shown me over and over again, just how special she really is.

Jarebear, you have been the wind beneath my wings in so many moments of my life lately. I don't know how I didn't get tired of taking a leap until I realized that I wasn't leaping alone...that I had company...YOU! Thank you for always reminding me of my favorite saying, "Feel the fear and do it any way." Even when I was shaking like a hot dog at a weenie roast, you were there to hold my hand. 

I cherish how much time I've had to hold your hand as you grew up into a woman that didn't need her "Mamasan" the same way anymore. I'm so very proud of who you are and how you've embraced life with pure joy. Thank you for holding me even when I felt like tossing my cookies or when we went thrift store shopping and I was ready to die from germ infestation...you were and always are so very strong.

I have gained so much strength because of who you are. I remember when you were training as a gymnast and I was asked to name a hero and the first person I chose was you. You will always be my hero for showing me strength and the never giving up determination you had and still have, even through the pain and discouragements. Thank you for reminding me that life is way too short to worry about what other people think.

I hope that your birthday will be just as special as you are. I look forward to growing old and watching you grow in grace and love with Oly (Orlando) by your side. I hope that your birthday is the best one yet.

I love you so very much, Jarani Taja! You mean the world to me!

PS---hurry up and get married so I can be a Grammy!

Love you forever and always,

Mamasan

16 comments:

Mari said...

What a great tribute to your wonderful daughter! Happy Birthday Jarani!

MissKris said...

I've had the pleasure to meet this beautiful daughter of yours. What a lovely young woman you've raised, Simone. Please pass on birthday greetings from me.

Shelly said...

Gave me a big lump in my throat! My baby iS about to turn 16, and for some reason, that's hitting me as hard as when my oldest turned 25. Ahhh, but it's all good. Congrats on raising a wonderful daughter!

Brian Miller said...

awww...what a tribute...i bet you made her feel special today...happy birthday!

Chatty Crone said...

What a wonderful story about your daughter - Happy birthday to her. I can't believe you are too young for that! lol sandie

Adam said...

My mom had to wait until her oldest son was 31 before she was a grandma.

Linda Myers said...

Lovely tribute to your girl!

Petula said...

I love your letter to your daughter. It's like I could have written it myself to my oldest. Very lovely. And, Grammy!, no more marriage and baby pressure. LOL

Happy Birthday to your baby. You've done a fab job raising her into her wonderfulness. :-)

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I love you so much, Mamasan. I look forward to seeing your blog post on my birthday every year. It never fails to warm up my heart and make me smile. You will always be my hero, you will always be my mommy (or "mamasan"), and I will always need you. I fondly tell the story of us moving to Oregon together to people I meet. It was such a leap, and I don't think we could've done it without each other. The long drive, the sleeping on the floor, the pity party... We've had so many little adventures here. Thanks for never leaving my side, and being my unfailing support whenever I've just needed to vent, boo-hoo, or tell silly stories about my day. You've shown me how to be a strong, graceful, hilarious, and kind woman.

I'm so excited to celebrate my birthday with you on Sunday. (And I'm almost tempted to bring Amelie...)

Oh, and be careful what you wish for! You could have curly haired grandbabies running around your house before you know it. :] I think we're going to shoot for getting married in August still, by the way. Anyway, I love you very much, and thank you for doing a birthday post about me.

- Jarebear

Joanna Jenkins said...

Aww, Simone. Happy birthday to your baby girl. This is a lovely tribute to your daughter-- I wish you a wonderful day and many, many more memories for both of you!
xoxo jj

Anita said...

I've always admired the relationships you have with your daughters. And they are as sensitive towards you as you are to them. May your journey continue, Jarani, with the love and comfort of your mom, sister, and other family members; and may the man in your life be the future husband/partner who you can grow old and peacefully with. Happy Belated Birthday!

Deborah Ann said...

Your gift for writing just took off on wings with this beautiful tribute. I get the feeling there is a lot of joy in your family. Happy Birthday to your baby girl!

Stacy said...

Awww, what a sweet tribute to your "baby." A late happy birthday to her!

I'm feeling a bit sad over my baby girl's birthday next month...she is turning 20 and leaving the teens behind. Time has flown by so quickly and I feel like I didn't savor it enough.

Buckeroomama said...

Happy birthday to your daughter.

This is a beautiful tribute on her birthday, but I have a feeling that you don't miss a chance to show her and let her know how special she is to you. ...and that's even more special. =)

Veronica Lee said...

Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter!

BTW - That was a lovely tribute, Simone.

 

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