Happy Birthday Mom!

Mom, this 200th blog post is dedicated to you...Happy 84th birthday! I wanted to let you know how much you are loved by Jack and I and the kids. I think you are fun to be with, smart as anyone I've ever met, and are the rock of the family. Congrats on getting your license renewed so you can drive,not only to church, stores, and doctor appointments, but also making Midge a bit crazy wondering where in the world is Mary Arends today?? I have you to thank for my job..you got me the interview at 18yrs old for a summer job in surgery as a nurses aide and lo and behold I stayed on, went back to school and here I am today still handing the scapel to the surgeons! Thanks for the push!
You picked the best man to marry and be our Dad. It set the standard high for us in choosing our spouses! To have to lose him at such an early age had to be the hardest thing in the world. But you took on that challenge as you have with many others in your life..with tons of hope, prayer and action. I think you invented the phrase: "Just Do It" before Nike ever did! Atleast I heard it from you first!
It's always fun when you and Midge come visiting, or we come out there. You're a good sport even when I take you on rainy excursions to all kinds of places here in Ohio.
You are a wonderful Grandmother, and now you are excelling at being a super Great Grandmother! Taking intrest in so many is hard, but you try your best to see everyone.
You're always excited to welcome in the new great grandkiddos! And you even take on the task and challenge of babysitting them! Whew, that's a job at any age!
This is just a part of what you and Dad created! All the kids, grandkids, great grandkids, cousins, nieces, nephews...all the assorted family members that make up our posterity, our heritage, our lives.
Mom you are one beautiful, classy lady. You're my inspiration and my hero. I hope that if I get to be 84 I can look as great as you. Jack, the kids and I wish you the happiest birthday ever!
I know your birthday is May 17th...but I wanted to post this tonight so you could get this first thing tomorrow! So if you know my Mom, or even if you don't, wish her a happy day!