Happy birthday to my momma, who has taught me what it means to be kind, selfless, generous, tough, and independent. She has instilled so many wonderful things into my life. Two that I've been reflecting on today - a deep love of the outdoors and never-ending wanderlust. My childhood was filled with adventures up mountains and into forests. She took me on a trip out West when my legs were still too short to walk the long hikes, carrying me in a pack and calming me at a campsite, because she wanted to go and wanted me along for the ride.
Her life's work as a teacher and counselor is my mirror - a beautiful reflection of how to love openly and work hard at something that matters day in and day out. Her constant smile, unending patience, and enduring grace have helped each of us meld our family back together and find our place in our shared home when we returned to Kentucky. She has taught me bravery and courage in the face of veryhard things. And most of all, she teaches me, daily, how to be 'Mom' to Asher.
I love you, Mom, and am deeply grateful and blessed to be your daughter.
