For Caroline on her 28th Birthday

Happy Birthday, Caroline Cassidy. Today you are 28 years old, and I wanted to take this opportunity to make some wishes for you. It is also, as it was the year you were born, Mother’s Day; so, it is a day that is doubly loaded with emotion and reflection.

Your presence in my life cannot be overstated. When you were born and came into my world, everything changed. Becoming a Mom changed how I looked at other people, other children, politics, education, healthcare, work, and, most importantly, Love. I could no longer turn away from newscasts about kidnapped children, or families caught in war-torn struggles overseas, or mothers migrating hundreds of miles to escape torture, carrying their babies on their backs. All of it was real, and I could feel the pain of others in a new way; by loving you, I understood the commitment of Mothers everywhere. I also clearly understood the JOY of a child’s laughter, a little hand grasping mine, and the sweetness of a sleeping toddler, tucked in safely for the night. I know that you now understand these things, because you are a Mom, too.

Raising a child as a Single Mom is a daunting task: just ask anyone who has attempted it; but it made me stronger, and more confident that IF I didn’t screw up too badly, then I could take on just about anything. We are never SURE that we did everything to the best of our ability, but the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. You became a kind, loving, and good person: all any Mom could ever hope for! You grew up to be a hard worker, a bright and sensitive woman, and a thoughtful and devoted Mother. If I had any part in what you have become, I am very proud and happy.

So, today I want to make some Birthday Wishes for you. First, I wish you Love. Love in all its forms: family, friends, fur children, and connection with the Planet. Love of the sea, the earth, and the sky. Love of animals, humans, and plants. I wish you everlasting Love in every way.

Second, I wish you good health. A healthy body and a healthy mind to allow all the joys of Life to flow through you. Run in the meadows, swim in the waters, and laugh in the rain. Smell the flowers, make Snow Angels, breathe in the morning air. Feel good every day you are alive. Life is a gift full of Wonder.

Third, I wish you the fulfillment of your Dreams. Dreams that take you wherever you want to go. Dreams that make you smile and keep you full of laughter. Dreams that contain all your secret longings and ambitions. I wish you to be the strongest, smartest, and happiest person you can be. May all your sweetest Dreams come true.

So, today, Happy Birthday and Happy Mother’s day. May this next trip around the Sun be full of joy, inspiration, and contentment. May you achieve the goals you are setting now, and the ones you set in the coming months. May you be more certain of your choices going forward, and may your choices bring you closer to the happiness you deserve.

I love you, and I always will.

Mom