Happy Birthday, Mom!

Besides being a national holiday, today is my mother's birthday! I'm not going to embarrass her by revealing WHICH birthday (though it's an important milestone) or post a picture of her. But I want to thank her for giving up so many of her (fill-in-the-blank) years to loving, caring for and educating me. In particular, I want to thank her for passing on her love of books and reading (and sometimes the actual books themselves- sorry Mom, I know I'm bad at returning them). When I think of what my life would have been without her influence, I feel bereft.

Happy Independence Day to the rest of you Americans, and Happy Birthday to my beautiful, intelligent, talented and loving Mom!