happy birthday mom!

my mother gave me the moon.
my mother gave me the stars.
my mother gave me the universe and all its little miracles.
my mother gave me warmth.
my mother gave me security.
and all the while, my mother gave me room to grow.
and the freedom to discover the world for myself.
my mother gave me the gift of countless sunny afternoons...
of wheelbarrow races and butterfly chases.
bubbles of all sizes and sweet surprises.
my mother gave me childhood, pure and joyful.
my mother gave me friendship.
my mother gave me faith.
she instilled in me a sense of wonder
and the wisdom to be gentle with all living things.
my mother gave me dreams and the courage to believe in them.
and she still does.
my mother made everyday days seem special.
and made special days nothing short of magical.
she taught me to hold traditions dear...
and family close.
and long before anyone else did...
my mother showed me what love really is.
written by, patrick regan