Today my mom will celebrate her 80th birthday. 80 years of birthdays and I know this one will be the hardest for her. Last month my mother lost her oldest daughter Lillian to breast cancer. I know what it is like for me to lose my sister but as a mother myself my heart breaks even more for my mother as she has lost a child and a friend. As our family goes through this year of firsts without Lillian I am reminded how fragile life is and that we should appreciate every birthday not just the milestone ones. We should love our family members and hold them close. You just never know when you might lose them.
Here is a picture of my mom. I believe this is her senior picture.
Young and beautiful. Did this young girl know what an inspiration she would become to so many? Did she know that she would have seven children, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren? Did she know that she would be a great mother, grandmother, great grandmother? Did she know she would touch so many lives? Did she know that she would be a strong role model not just for her children but for so many others that have walked into her life? Did she know that she would be the heart of huge family?
Well if she didn’t she really should know now. All those things sum up my mother.
Here is my mom yesterday as we celebrated her 80th birthday still young and beautiful. Here is to many more Mom. Love you.
Celebrating her birthday my sister-in-law had made a Shrimp Boil. It was fun and delicious.
It had shrimp, red potatoes, onions, sausage, and corn on the cob with cajon seasoning, cayenne pepper, and old bay seasoning. It was not too spicy but just enough to leave you wanting more.
I want to leave you with a few quotes about aging and beauty. My mother will always be Young and Beautiful in my eyes.
“And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!”
― Audrey Hepburn
“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
― Sophia Loren
“But if we are truly happy inside, then age brings with it a maturity, a depth, and a power that only magnifies our radiance.”
― David Deida, Intimate Communion
“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.”
–Robert Browning (1812-1889)
My No Salt Life 
Your mom is a sweet and beautiful woman! I am so happy I spent time with your whole family so much when I was in Jr. and Sr. high school. Your family made such a positive impression on me! My mom was always sick, so it was nice to see your mom “in action” doing the things I dreamed my mom could do. Happy birthday, Leona!! 🙂
Debbie, Thank you for your kind words about my mother. Sorry to hear of your mom’s struggles.
Beautiful post Amy! You look a lot like her! 🙂
Thank you. That is a huge compliment. She is beautiful.