Ode to my mama
On June 17th of the same year that Liz Taylor was married for the first time, Jackie Robinson signed the highest contract to date ($35,000) in Dodger history, Walt Disney released Cinderella, and James Dean began his career with an appearance in a Pepsi commercial, my mom was born. That was 60 years ago and to celebrate her life and the unbelievable blessing she has been to us (and so many others), we planned a 60 hour celebration. It began with a simple breakfast with her favorite son and ended with a dessert celebration with her best couple friends…and in between there was eating, and laughing, and eating, and lunch at Cardwell’s with her besties, and a spa day, and eating, and a worship concert, and a night at the Four Seasons with her honey, and so much more (including more eating, if you can believe that).
It was easy to celebrate mom for 60 hours (and more, actually, since their crazy, fun couple friends partied till midnight, which was 3 hours later than I figured they’d turn in) because there is so much to celebrate about her. To start with, she’s the youngest looking 60 year old I know (that’s legit her real hair color…no dies or highlights or nothin’) and she’s beautiful inside and out:
You have never known a giver like my mom. Since we weren’t having a big party, we wrote to her friends near and far asking for a birthday card to be sent to me with plans to give them all at once. Getting the mail has never been so fun and each day I saw return address after return address of people whose lives have been blessed and changed and enriched because of her. On the day of her birthday we convinced the concierge at the Four Seasons to let us into the room my dad would be taking her to that night and laid all the cards on the bed. I hate that I didnt’ have my camera to picture how those cards covered an entire king size bed. I hope when I’m sixty I have half of the 72 birthday cards she opened this weekend and that I’m a whole lot like the woman that she is.
She’s for sure a giver, and she’s also a lover…not just of people, but first and foremost of God. Her life is a testimony of not only God’s saving grace, but also of his continued mercy. If you spend any time with her at all, you’ll want to know more about her source of joy and her reason for hope.
She’s a strong woman and I’m pretty sure I have her to thank for the good and the bad (mostly good though) of that character quality in me:). Her strength is not brash, but rather, resolved and steadfast and I love this about her. There’s something beautiful about confidence in a woman and I’m so thankful that I saw that modeled my whole life.
I could go on and on, but instead, I wanted to post the “toast” that my sister (Casey) and sister-in-law (Megan) and I gave at her besties lunch. We thought of the top 8 or 9 word pictures that represent our mom and presented them in a poem. It’s a little long (and probably “speaks” better than it “reads”, but it’s worth reading anyway). We had props and everything…it rocked (if I do say so myself). So here it is…word pictures that describe our mom:
Starbucks:
What do you need most when you’re on the go?
Just ask Jamie, she takes a $4-bucks cup-a-Joe.
It’s important though when you go day and night
Making time for work, family and friends, that’s right.
There’s not a time Jamie’s not there for someone in need
And keeping the community group ministry going is no small task, indeed.
She watches the grands at the drop of a hat
A mamie who’s fun and available, I’ll take that!
So keep on with your latte’s as you zoom into sixty
Why start now at being thrifty??
iPhone:
I remember clear as day when the first cell phone came out.
Dad got one for mom and she literally gave out a shout!
“For what on earth would I possibly want a phone for on the go?”
Oh, how things have changed since she got her fancy little iPhone
She’s totally hip and trendy…Facebook, e-mail, and maps
What other grandma out there is up on the latest apps?
She’s oh so techno savvy, but types only slightly faster than a snail
You always know when she’s nearby cause you hear the “click, click, click” of those long fake fingernails
Shoes:
Your outrageous shoe collection would make Melda Macros covet
But when you show your face at Nordstom, the shoe salesman all love it!
You used to shop at shoe stop, where the selection was really cheap,
but you’ve moved on to bigger and better to fancify your feet.
You’d think size 12 would make it hard to find shoes that have much style
but if we lined up all your fancy flats they would stretch out for a mile
Restaurants:
Now for the past few years the economy has been in trouble
But for the restaurants in Des Peres, the business has nearly doubled
Yes, Jamie is a loyal patron to many places
Brio, Bravo, CPK and Red Robin love to see our faces
She’s the best at gathering for a fun meal out
Time with friends and family is what’ it’s all about
And she’s made it clear that she doesn’t really cook.
So off we go, kitchen closed…Jamie, you’re off the hook!
Family:
Our mom is very gifted, she’s known from coast to coast
But we never have to wonder about matters to her most
She’s all about her family. Her love is selfless and amazing
If you think we’d ever trade her in, you’re absolutely crazy.
Mamie, mom, wife and friend, she’s the bedrock of our clan
And Each of us has always known, that she’s our number one fan!
Lighthouse:
You’re a lighthouse to so many, standing firm and shining bright
The way you live your life is a testimony of God’s light.
Your love for God and people are contagious without a doubt
You radiate God’s Glory, you’re beautiful inside and out.
Open-door:
Where do you go when you’re weary and down?
768 Bent Brook, the most special place in town.
Jamie is there with open arms and open heart
To give you perspective, just listen or help you get a new start
She practices hospitality like no-one else around
She is wise, kind, wonderful with love that just abounds
Their door is always open to rest your tired head
And over the years, they’ve literally had many sleeping in their beds
Many people have been blessed with Jamie’s gift of the open door
From those long talks there’s been transformation, growth and so much more.
Wisdom:
Of all the things we could have chosen, an Owl might seem a little weird
But wisdom is, of all her traits, perhaps the most revered.
If you ever need advice, or just a listening ear
There is no better counselor than our sweet Jamie-dear
Her wisdom is inspired by the Holy Spirit who lives inside
So many have been blessed by having our mom as a guide.
Toast:
We’ve covered all the word pictures that make us think of you
There’s so much more that we could say, but without further ado:
Here’s to you our mom, our friend, our counselor and biggest fan
We couldn’t find a better mom if we searched through all the land
You are generous and giving, loving sacrificially
You’ve set for us an example of the kind women, wives, and friends that we would like to be
We love you so much more, than words could ever say
We hope that you feel celebrated, on this, your special day!
As we raise a glass to you…and many more years to come
Happy number 60, to you our dear sweet mom!
For LITERALLY, the last time until you’re 61, Happy Birthday to the greatest mom a girl could have.
