Happy birthday, Mom. I miss you.

[John Dilbeck]

This has been an emotional day for me. It's Mom's first birthday since she died almost a year ago. I didn't want to be alone in the house, so I left early this morning and was gone all day.

I tried to keep my mind off of this and not dwell on it, but whenever I was driving, I would return to memories of her. I thought of her when I was young and she was so active and friendly. I thought of her after she moved to Murphy and she and Dad loved living here and met great friends. Then, without warning, I'd think of her in the nursing home, wasting away before she died. It was a rollercoaster of emotions all day.

Interestingly enough, even though I didn't mention it, people who knew her would tell me they missed seeing her and just about everywhere I went, I was talking to someone who is caring for a sick, elderly mother in their home. It's hard being a caretaker for your parent(s), but it's something that many of us do when the time comes.

I'm not going to write a lot about her tonight, I already did that last year: In Memory of Mattie Lee Dilbeck

I don't remember people on the anniversary of their death, but I try to celebrate their life on their birthday.

She would have been 89 years old today. She was honest, treated people with kindness, loved her family, remembered just about everyone she knew on their birthdays, and worked hard for decades. I could not have wished for a better mother, or father.

Happy birthday, Mom.

I love you.

[Pat]

JD, I know what you are saying. My dad's birthday was 3 weeks ago. It's been 3 1/2 years since he graduated. Thanks for writing your thoughts here.

[John Dilbeck]

Good morning, Pat.

I've finally reached a point where I can be happy when I think of Dad. I'm looking forward to when that happens when I think of Mom. It's a much more difficult process to go through than most of us realize before it happens.

I'm sure we're not the only ones here who know that.

All the best,

JD