The first gift she ever gave me was the gift of motherhood. Because she came into my life, she transformed who I was, who I needed to be, and the person I would become. What a blessing being a mom has been to me.
The second gift she gives me is the gift of time. Even as a busy mom herself with a full schedule and kids’ activities, she makes our time together a priority. We talk on the phone nearly every day—the conversations aren’t long, and they often aren’t “deep.” In fact, sometimes, we both end up dissolving into the giggles. And I love that about Ashley. She takes the time to make me smile, to make me laugh, and to slow down and enjoy a relaxed lunch or an afternoon chat. The time we spend together is so precious!
The third gift she gives me is unconditional love. I know it’s a mom’s job to love her children unconditionally—and I do!--and it’s a true joy to have children who love you right back. It doesn’t matter whether I have my crazy curly hair, she’ll fix it. It doesn’t matter whether I’m sick in bed; she’ll visit. When I’m in a bad mood, she’s patient with me. When I’m stressed, she’ll listen. When I want to go play, she’s a ready companion.
And finally, she recently announced she’ll be giving me yet another wonderful gift—the gift of another grandchild! Ashley is expecting baby number four this summer. Little Sophia (on the cover of our Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book) turns just one year old in a few months, so she’ll be a big sister at a young age. But Ashley has adored Sophia (as she has Noah and Belle) and was eager to share that love with another baby. Perhaps that’s Ashley’s best gift of all: that she loves family enough to create such a wonderful one of her own.
Happy birthday, baby—whether it’s on your birthday or any of the other 364 days of the year...because I love you all year ‘round.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Happy Birthday, Baby
My daughter Ashley celebrated her birthday more than a month ago. And yet, here I am, still thinking about her birthday gifts. They’re all gifts she’s given ME, and these gifts grow sweeter and sweeter each year.
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What a special tribute. Isn't it wonderful to have a daughter that you think of as a dear friend?
ReplyDeleteAhhh Jeanette, that is beautiful. You are such a loving person that it is not surprise at all that you have such a lovely daughter. And, congratulations! on the the grandbaby.
ReplyDeleteYou and I are super blessed with daughters that are tremendous people and dear grown up friends.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't speak with them everyday (nuts) my MOM (I shouldn't tell you she is in her 80's, but she is) TEXTS me everyday.
These relationships are to be celebrated!
Thanks for sharing and congratulations!
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman from a beautiful woman! Congrats on the expansion of your family! Wishing you all the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeannette for sharing and describing lifes most precious gift: the love between parent and child. You are lucky to have such a loving daughter... and I am sure she feels lucky to have a mom like you!
ReplyDeleteAwe. Congratulations to your family. Babies are such sweet miracles in our lives.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful expression of love Jeanette. Congratulations on the wonderful news. Sounds like you will have some new inspiration for Scapbooking ;) Thank you for all you do to inspire greatness in all of us.
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