Dear Mama.

70 years of you today.

I am so thankful to God for blessing me with parents who showed love daily and even more thankful I had an example of what patience, service, and faith looked like growing up. Now, God may not be done with me because I may or may not exhibit those qualities yet, but to know that there are real people who care for others in the way you do, and be intentional with being happy everyday I strive to be more like you.

This pandemic may have been trash in a lot of ways, but it brought you and I together and allowed me to truly, for the first time, see that you are human just like me. I think as kids we like to put our parents on this pedestal and while you're not God, you seem to also know what's best for me and guide me along life with His help. These past 3 years being with you have helped me see you as a woman who loves hard through acts of service and finds joy in community. And this new revelation makes me want to know even more about you!

Today, I wanted to surprise you with tickets to the Tom Joyner cruise so we can have that first time cruise experience together while you see your fav, Uncle Charlie, for the 4th time. But life had other plans and instead we spent the whole day together eating and shopping. It was fun to see how you lit up at how many good stores were in the shopping mall we went to which lets me know I really am your child.

I pray that you continue to have good health, keep your youthful energy, and have even more experiences as you enter this new decade. Seventy ain't never seen a more hip lady than you!  To take a page from the book of you, "I love you more", mom!

Well, that's all for now. Byeee!