Doubly Dandy Day

Today is a doubly important kind of day.  One that definitely goes down as being doubly dandy.  Definitely dandy.  First, it’s Sunday, May 11, 2014.  Mother’s Day.  I have a very dandy mom.  Here we are when I was just a wee babe:

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Isn’t that 70’s sofa and pillow awesome?  Yeah they certainly don’t make them like they use to.

I’m so lucky to have this lady as my mom.  She has been a constant in my life.  Bottom line… Everything that I am I learned from her.  Although I didn’t retain all of the information.  I could only wish to be half as good of a mom as she is.  I try, but know that she’s really top notch.  I love her eternal.

Alright.  Ready for the second reason this day is doubly dandy?  At this fountain 12 years ago this guy asked this girl to be his bride:

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My answer is still the best decision that I have ever made.  Hands down.  He’s the greatest husband a girl could ask for and the best father.  I love him eternal.

 

P.S.  Does anyone know of any good photographers in the Springfield, IL area?  That’s where the fountain is and it would be wonderful to have an updated family picture taken in front of it one of these days.  This particular one is over 5 years old… As I’m sure you can tell, because Banjo is just a baby in it!  Where has the time seriously gone???  *sigh*

P.P.S.  Remind me to share with you the engagement story one of these days.  It’s quite the doozie. 

My 1st Friend

We all have some level of friends in life.  Some have many.  Others have only a few.  Some keep in touch with friends from the past.  Others find new friends often.  Whatever the level of friend a person has the friendship is always unique.  Special to them.  Important.  I met my first friend on August 2, 1978.  She and I are still the best of friends who speak to each other almost every day.  That’s a long time to have a friend!  My first friend has been there for me throughout childhood, the teen years, and the rocky times of my young adulthood.  She nurtured my love of reading.  She encouraged me to write, participate in athletics, and excel in school.  She put an emphasis on my going to college.  She walked in the pouring rain on my wedding day to find a tow truck when the car I was driving got a flat tire.  My first friend was in the hospital labor and delivery waiting room when I gave birth to my children.  Both in San Antonio and St. Louis.  She helped me to take care of a newborn while I was recovering.  She taught me how to be a mother.  Friends like that don’t come along very often.  Only once.  I owe her everything.  She is my first friend and my forever friend.

My first friend was diagnosed with cancer the week after Ruby was born.  Now it’s time for me to be there for her.  She has fought hard and is currently in remission.  Today is my first friend’s birthday.  Mom, thank you for being my first friend.  I love you so very, very much.

Me and my 1st friend:

Ruby cuddling with her Gran:

Banjo looking at family photographs with his Gran:

Happy Birthday Mom!