Happy Birthday to one of the most amazing women in my life: my mama.
Papa and Mama, Family Vacation Hawaii 2010
I have always admired the way she lives her life with vigor. If asked for her opinion she doesn't give it sugar coated, but she always gives it real. She's loud, she loves big, she laughs often, and she forgives. She lives fully and grows when the opportunities arise because she forgives herself, and others. She is a great example for being, learning, and loving freely. She lives her life and not anyone else's. I am a woman who aspires to be like my mama.
Exactly a year ago I called my mother and sang her happy birthday (as I do and have always done for those I love except this year due to surgery), and it was thanks to that experience that I finally considered shedding an idea I've held about myself since childhood. I've mentioned before that although I loved to sing as a child I was not very good, and I was very loud. I didn't reach mama directly last year on the first try and decided to leave a singing message. She called me back almost immediately and I could have never expected her response, which was in essence, Anna! you don't completely suck at singing! I hadn't realized how powerful my mama's opinion was in me being willing to shed any self doubt and see if, I could actually sing. Moreover, I realized that maybe it's not simply something you can do or not do, but possibly a skill that could be developed. I decided a year ago that I would gift myself singing lessons for my birthday, and although the accident occurred two weeks before I was to begin, I'm anxious to be fully healed so that I can give it a real try before deciding I'm incapable.
Thank you for always believing in me and for always encouraging me to pursue my passions. Thank you for living your life on your terms and for being a beautiful example. I love you.
