{stories and snapshots from my new york city life.}

9.14.2011

For Mama

Some moms stencil roses on top of freshly baked pies and bake homemade petit fours for their daughter's tea parties. Some volunteer for the PTA and design cookie bouquets for teachers. Others sneak into their kids' room every night to turn off lamps, kiss foreheads, and gently slide glasses off the bridge of a nose.


Mine did all of that. She also served dinner on roller skates and let us throw a whole pot of cooked spaghetti all over the kitchen just because it seemed like fun. My mother has always been equal parts supportive and silly; grounded, but wild. I loved being her daughter because I could tell she loved being my mom. I felt lucky to be her kid. And now that I'm a grown-up, I'm lucky to be her friend.

She embraces people with an open mind and an open heart, and taught me to always do the same. She laughs easily and often and sprinkles joy like confetti wherever she goes. I try to live my life with curiosity, spunk and humor, and I learned how to do that by watching her.

It's her birthday today, so technically when the candles are blown out all wishes should go to her.  But if I could steal just one, it'd be to live closer to the most special woman in my life because I miss her every day. I love you, Lil' Mama.

7 comments:

  1. such a sweet post! That first picture of her...well it looks just like you! Oh my gosh! So sweet. She sounds like one awesome mommy. Happy birthday, Jenn's Mama!

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  2. This is a beautiful tribute to your mother. I raise my glass to her.

    Cheers.
    Velva

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  3. This brought tears to my eyes. Happy Birthday to Leslie, one of the coolest "friends' moms" I knew growin' up!

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  4. your birthday tributes always make me cry.

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  5. I love your birthday posts; your tributes are always so sweet - Happy Birthday to your Mom!!!

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  6. aw this is beautiful. your mother is gorgeous!

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  7. This is all so very true, dear Jennifer. AND so very well said (natch). Loved getting to read this. Proud to claim "photographer credit" (my Kodak Instamatic - ha!) for that lower long ago photo of you two gorgeous girls AND proud that you chose to display it here (you're both radiantly lovely in it, why wouldn't you!?! you beauties glow through, regardless of the poor pic's yellowing and age). xoxoxo

    P.S. Just imho, but I think your blog readers would be delighted if you'd share the story your mom tells so well - about toddler you, your dad, your solo onstage "interview", and that popcorn ball...

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