You are my Sunshine...

It's my turn to sing.

I can't remember the first time I had heard the song.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine."
I can imagine I was in a bath tub, with soft baby skin and a crazy amount of black hair as you gently rubbed my body with a wash cloth. It was just me. Your only child. Your first. Your family had begun, and you sang your little love song over me.

"You make me happy, when skies are gray."
Or, was I young, with stringy brown pig tails and crooked teeth in my smile? Was my voice squeaky as I sang the words with you, twirling my hair in one finger and twisting my foot aimlessly on the ground?
 
"You'll never know dear, how much I'll love you."
Maybe you sang it more than I can remember. Though the words weren't heard, it was this song that I heard when I cut my knee on the concrete and you gave me the Nutcracker as an early Christmas present to make me feel better, this song that I heard when you congratulated me on my third grade poem award, and this song that I heard when you threw me a bowling party at 10. The sound of these words echoed as you did my make up for prom, cried at my graduation, and drove me to my first day at community college. And the song still continues to this day as you've helped me pay for my school, watched me mature into a young woman, and sat with me countless of times as I discuss pacemakers and heart medications with the doctor. You've always cared for my heart, in more ways than one. In this, I've often heard that song.

"Please don't take my sunshine away."
I can only imagine the emotional wars hidden beneath the walls of a mother's heart. You experience the joys of their birth and the pains of their first fall, cheering them on when they succeed and disciplining in frustration when they disappoint. And yet, your love remains, your grip seemingly getting tighter as they grow older. "Please don't take my sunshine away," your heart sings, deep down wanting to hold me again like the 8-1/2 pound bundle I was, longing to see me off to kindergarten again in my plaid uniform, and hoping for just one more birthday party juggled cupcakes to celebrate.

And yet, this is my song to you. Though in the past they were given expecting nothing in return, I finally can write them in a reciprocation long overdue.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll never know, Mom, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.

I cling to the memories of long ago and look in anticipation at what's ahead with you, a warming presence, by my side.

Love you, Mom.
Happy Birthday!

Liane

 

"You will not be shaken."

Carolyn,

There is so much I'd like to say to you but I won't take up too much space so I will try to make it short.  What an awesome God we serve!!!  I am very thankful to Him for your friendship!  You have been a blessing to me this past year and because we still continue on our journey, I don't always have time for a phone call or a text but please know that you have encouraged me and have lifted me up when I needed to be lifted up.   You go through your own struggles on a daily basis and I want you to know that you are always in my prayers.  As my life starts to calm down a little bit, I want to be an encouragement to you.  We need to get together and hang out for coffee or tea (because I don't drink coffee) - my treat so please let me know when we can do that. 

Happy Birthday my friend! 

I love you!  xoxo 

Psalm 62:5-6

Find rest, O my soul, in God along; my hope comes from Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  

Michele Simonson

You are an Example

Your generous loving spirit is evident in all you say and do.  Your love for our Lord is seen in your smile and felt in all you do.  Thank you for the wonderful example of faith in action that you demonstrate for so many in the "simple" living of your life.    May God continue to bless you always.

 

Happy Birthday!

 

Cathy Macik

"Virtuous and Capable"

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future.
  When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness.
  She carefully watches everything in her household
    and suffers nothing from laziness.
  Her children stand and bless her.
    Her husband praises her:
  “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
    but you surpass them all!”
  Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
    but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
  Reward her for all she has done.
    Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
                                                  Proverbs 31:25-31 NLT

Dear Carolyn:
Really, this whole section of Proverbs 31 applies to you, but when I
read these last few verses, I was like -WOW!! This these really defines
Carolyn.  I know I've said this before, but I'd like to say it again;
you are truly someone who I admire deeply.  Your example of strength
balanced with transparent humility and compassion for others is beyond
description, and you have graciously passed those same qualities down to
your children.  Thank you for all you have done for me, and for so many
others.  You are such a blessing in my life, and I look forward to
wishing you many more birthdays (there's a long way to go being that
you're only 39).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my Friend!!!
May Jesus Christ embrace you, strengthen you, and encourage you; and may
you know the the depth of His love for you today and everyday!!!

I love you,
Donna MacGorman (I put my last name beacuse you may forget as you age)

You are a Blessing

Dear Carolyn,

 

Happy Birthday to YOU!  Wishing you a day that is as special as you are!  Praying this birthday is the beginning of a year filled with countless blessings and all that you're so deserving of.

 

Much love,

Lisa Sheldon