04 February 2011

Birthday LOVE

Tomorrow is my birthday, and I've decided to re-post a little something that my son wrote for me on my birthday last year.  For those of you who've read it, sorry for the repeat.  For those of you who haven't, it's worth the read if you're mushy about love, or kids, or well, just about any kind of mush at all this is for you.  Because after all, the most important gift is the gift of life.  And the most important thing about life is love.  


The following was a gift from my eldest son, to me, for my birthday.  There hasn't been a day since he wrote it that I haven't read it.  And it brings happy tears of love to my eyes every time. 


We started a tradition in our family when it was young.  It's called, "I love you more than".  When we say how much we love each other, we say, I love you more than...and then we say things like, "I love you more than all the Shamrock's in Ireland," or some such endearment. 

Today and every day is a day to be happy to be alive no matter who you are, where you are, or what your situation.  Just because you are.  Because of that, I leave you with one of the greatest blessings I have in my life.  A love note from my son to me for my birthday.  Children certainly are, a heritage of the Lord!
  
 
I simply can't imagine a world without you.  So today as you complete your 55th trip around the sun, I give you 55 reasons I love you, mom...

1    Your penchant for cozy socks
2    Your sense of humor
3    You passed down to me your germaphobic habits
4    How very religious and prayerful you are
5    Your love for dogs
6    The sound of your voice
7    Your humility
8    You drink tea everyday out of the tea cup I got you, a reminder to me that I am with you even when I'm  not
9   Your kind heart
10  Your generosity
11  How cute you look when you laugh hysterically
12  How serious you are about bloging
13  How hard you work at keeping your promises
14  The way I miss you when we're not together
15  How lucky you make me feel each day for having someone like you in my life
16  When Dylan used to bite us, you would encourage us to bite him back.  If we were crying too hard, you would do it for us
17  The smell of your perfume
18  Your handwriting
19  How we get See's every time we go to the mall together
20  You knit me scarves
21  Your smile
22  You blogstalk
23  You gave me a brother and sisters
24  You were recycling long before it was cool
25  You are very forgiving, and we've given you a lot to forgive along the way
26  You don't consider it cake unless it is chocolate
27  You bring me Sprite and toast cut into strips when I'm sick
28  You listen to good music
29  You kissed James Taylor
30  You have pretty hair
31  You cry during romantic comedies
32  I love watching movies with you, even though you talk the whole time
33  Your freckles
34  You are an amazing writer
35  You're strong, in many ways
36  You have traveled all over
37  I inherited your artistic abilities, a talent of mine I value above all else
38  We are more alike than I sometimes care to admit
39  You taught me well
40  You let me make my own decisions
41  Your hands are always cold
42  Your heart is always warm
43  You love yoga, I love yoga
44  You spoil me
45  When I was little you always let me borrow your beloved silky blanket
46  My favorite birthday present I ever got was the letter you wrote me when I turned 19.  I cried when I read it
47  You let me keep Bailey
48  You like Soulja Boi
49  You married your best friend
50  You make me laugh
51  You survived my teen years
52  You are convinced that all of your grandchildren are gifted and talented.  Really, they are
53  You always told us our birth stories on our birthdays growing up, even if we didn't always want to hear them
54  You make lists
55  Dessert doesn't always have to come last in our house

I love you more than all the days we've been together,

Cooper

  
My son Cooper, because you took all the love I gave you and gave it back to me in one simple note on my birthday, and therefore made me feel like a bizillion bucks.



You're my hero, boyo!

I love you more than all the love there is in the world...

My son Cooper is a Sophomore at Loyola Marymount Unviersity.  His major is Fine Arts and he minors in Communications.  Besides being an excellent student he belongs to the Ingnations Service organization, and works three jobs.  I have no idea how he finds the time but, he keeps a little blog when he has the time.  You might enjoy getting to know him and his art a little better.  If so, his blog is called "Look Hear" here is the link   Look Hear

So, go forth and love one another!
Blessings one and all,
Tia

19 comments:

Tolentreasures said...

Wow, I have tears in my eyes and I am at work, so much for covering up that I am blogsurfing. What a wonderful letter, you are truly blessed and a true blessing.
Happy Birthday!

Cathy

Margaret (Peggy or Peg too) said...

Happy Birthday Tia.
May you have a warm, sunny, happy day.
((cyber hugs))
P.

NanaDiana said...

Ok-That is the best birthday present evAH! Love that boyo...and you did a good job raising one fine young man. 55? ...OMG..only 10 years til Social Security.....Bwhahahaha-
Love you more than I love McDonald's fish sandwiches...oh wait...that is NOT a good comparision...ok...love you more than I love SweetCheeks...oh wait...that is an outright lie...okay...I just love ya...and there ya have it! xxoo Diana

Debra said...

You kissed James Taylor?!
Cooper is one special young man – because he took all the love you gave him and returned it in a single note on your birthday… He must make you so proud. Tia, it sounds like you’ve been one amazing mom to have raised a son this thoughtful.
Happy Birthday!

bichonpawz said...

Seriously Tia! That is just the BEST Birthday Present EVER!!! How perfectly sweet!! Happy Happy Birthday My Friend!!! I love your more than...ummm...blogging?? Yeah...blogging!! xoxo Jeanne

Traveler24 said...

That is such a sweet thing for him to do! And Happy Birthday! It is great to hear that children still think so much of their parents, especially older kids. I'm 25 and have a very close relationship with my mom. I don't know what I would do without her in my life. She's been there for me through so much and I feel like there is nothing I could ever do that would equal the amount the love and devotion she has given to me.

Here's to moms all over the world!!!!

Toyin O. said...

What a touching letter, you have certainly raised an awesome son. Hope you have a wonderful birthday:)

coastal femme said...

What an adorable, thoughtful, gracious loving son you've raised! Kudos to you!

Pam said...

Happy Birthday, Tia! I remember this letter from last year and I'm so glad to be reminded of it again. Your son is a treasure. I think I said this last year, too, but I hope my daughter's both find men as wonderful as your son.

Anonymous said...

That is so lovely!That's the best birthday present ever.Happy Birthday.

Kathy

Anonymous said...

How very, very sweet of your son, Tia! I couldn't think of a more thoughtful and precious gift. Happy birthday to you! :)

Darcie (My Modern Country) said...

Wow! What an amazing gift-you are blessed!
Happy Birthday :)

Just found your blog, and I am looking forward to reading more!

Jenny said...

Happy belated Birthday!

Your sons note to you made me cry.

The effort and emotion and honest love he shared with you is so touching.

It makes me realize that young people are not all about electronics and rap music. They also have lovely hearts still.

Thank you for the smile and for sharing this rich blessing.

Hugs and happiness!

Amy said...

Receiving a letter like this from my son one day would be the best thing to ever happen to me. How touching and thoughtful. You did good raising this boy:)

Happy, Happy birthday my friend! I wish you many more healthy, happy years ahead!

P.S. YOU KISSED JAMES TAYLOR????

Simple Home said...

Oh Tia, that is just beautiful! Cooper sounds like a wonderful young man! I love the idea of making a list like this too.
Happy Birthday!!!! I hope it was wonderful :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

Donna said...

Wow, what a wonderful gift that your son gave you! His letter made me smile, and get teary eyed, too! Hope you have a wonderful birthday, you have raised an awesome young man!! BTW, I see that you and I have more than several things in common: I, too am an admitted germaphobe, my hands are cold, I LOVE dogs, and I have freckles, too!

GoldenValley50 said...

Happy belated birthday wishes Tia! I'm only just managing to catch up on everyone's news after our little encounter with Cyclone Yasi.
Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous letter (and your gorgeous boy!) - it made my heart sing. {{hugs}} Sharyne xx
PS Who was Bailey??

Mice Aliling said...

I am mushy and sappy. Give it all to me :) You are lucky to have a wonderful son and he sure is lucky to have you.

PS Romantic movies also make me cry.

Vikki said...

oh no! I just comment but it said it didn't go through! boo :/ let's try again!

Your son's words are so so so sweet! He is very honest and well spoken (and handsome to boot!). You make me wanna grow up and become a mama, just so i can have that kind of love coming to me from my very own. I know how he feels; i feel the same way about my mama: her 67th bday is next wednesday, and I try to tel her everyday how much i love her and appreciate all that she is... you mama's are incredible peoples! :)

I commented back to you ove ron my blog about sending you my fav wedding sites for your daughter's upcoming wedding! They are:

http://www.loveandlavender.com/
http://greenweddingshoes.com/
and
http://www.oncewed.com/

I'm sure you can tell I like the vintage/handmade vibe ;) Hopefully you guys find something you like too!

Well, I'm off to browse around and learn more about my new "blogging buddy"; I can't wait to see you back online! Take care!

xo,
Vikki from Buoy Bird