To Celebrate A Life

She used to be number one woman in my life. And although she only comes in second now, I know she understands. As usual, she understands.

TO BEGIN WITH

Today is my mother’s birthday, but I will not give away how old she is. It’s for her to say and for you to find out. I’m so happy she gets to celebrate it here with us.

Below is an essay I posted in my old “Up on the Roof” blog during my mom’s birthday in 2009.

I hope she knows how blessed I am to be his son and how I love her very, very much.

TO CELEBRATE A LIFE

For the first 25 years of my life, before I got married, she was the parachute that kept me from falling. She was the guide, the compass that set my path straight. She still does today, don’t get me wrong. But she graciously took a runner-up seat.

In life and in love, in good times and bad, she was always there. She knew everything about me; just by the tone of my voice she could tell whether I’m upset, excited, or if I was in love; and, most importantly, who I was in love with. She taught me many things, to always be fair, to keep a humble heart, and to put my faith in God first before anyone and anything else.

Above all, she educated me how a woman ought to be loved. A lesson I will forever cherish and remember. On that regard I’m sure Denielle would agree.

She used to be number one woman in my life. And although she only comes in second now, I know she understands. As usual, she understands.

I love you so much, Mommy. A very Happy Birthday to you. I celebrate your life as I also celebrate mine. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you, I always keep that in mind. This I want to tell you, sometimes runner-ups are still the best. Love you.

- from “Coffee and Mornings”, 2010 essays

Raymund's Random Insights

Anything that’s done with love is done with care.

Above all else my mother was a friend.

To love somebody truly, it is not necessary to be false to all other relationships.

Poem of the Week

SHE WAS THE FIRST

by Emon

She was the first to understand

what makes me smile,

what makes me cry.

And tried with all her might and heart

to keep me from the latter.

She was the first

            to embrace and kiss me,

the first to tell me

those wonderful truths

like you’re great and I love you.

Her hands were the first

to take care,

protect and caress,

all the time and

all at the same time.

I hope that every time she thinks of me now

she always sees what she wants to see.

I love you, mom, you know I do.

And all these years spent apart

cannot, will not change that.

And though everything is of little permanence

and we can’t bring back good old times,

please understand

that my heart and your heart

will eternally be intertwined.

Me and this day

we care for you,

without the rivalry of common days,

without the competition of solemn nights.

They always talk about a mother’s love

for her son, but never the other way around.

I hope this carves in stone

how grateful I am to be born of you

and to have been loved by you.

Happy birthday.

(October 2009)

AND FINALLY

I wish you the happiest of birthdays, Mommy Yolly! And may this year be your best one yet. I know why Daddy fell in love with you. I love you.

Thanks for stopping by - see you next week.