For 31 years, my mother has been my best friend.

Sure, like many teenagers, there were moments during my adolescent years when I thought she did nothing but make my life miserable or embarrass me. But, these days, my mom is my best friend and my rock.

While my Instagram feed makes living abroad look like a dream,  it has had its difficulties. Living hours away from the comforts of home, family and friends has been tough, especially during the months when Bo was in London. Looking back on our experience thus far, one of the things that have helped me survive, is my relationship with my mom.

For the first 20 years of my life, her energy and focus were on our family. Helping with the family business, working nights so she could pick my brother and I up from school, or ensuring we had a warm meal each night consumed her energy.

For the next ten years, her life revolved around my dear grandparents. As their health deteriorated, she and my father became their caretakers, making sure that they were able to live their final years as best as possible.

The past two years, my mom’s new found freedom, has allowed our friendship and relationship to evolve to new levels.  We find ourselves chatting or texting on a daily basis about our shared Pinterest board, our two person book club, half marathon training, upcoming travel plans, and yoga.

As she turns 64 today, I look forward to this year more than any other year. I can’t wait to see the incredible things she will achieve, both alone and in the company of our family.

Whether she knows it or not, her passion for life has reminded me that age is only a number. Like so many other arbitrary numbers in our life, we can’t let it define us. Instead, we have to wake up each morning and make each day count.

 

Mom, here’s to making every, single moment of 64 count. Whether these moments are spent crossing finish lines, finding your balance in tree pose, having more Pinterest baking successes than fails, supporting your friends and family, or traveling to many new places – enjoy each day with a smile!

Happy Birthday, Mom!