Celebrating my mother's 86th birthday

Today is my mother’s 86th birthday. On Sunday, she sent me a text message which read,
“In 2 days I will b 86 imagine that good grief many exclamation pts”

I think she’s figured out punctuation, but what’s the point of punctuating text messages? I understood exactly what she was telling me.

My dad died 28 years ago, when he was 59. All six of the kids in my family were out of the house by then, which meant Mom’s house was a very empty and quiet nest. She grieved our father, but she also got a part-time job, played bridge regularly, made new friends, went for walks, and remained an avid reader.

When her eight grandchildren came along, she had a new hobby and a venerated status among her grandkiddos. My mom was a wonderful mother, but she is a perfect grandmother. Without my mother, I don’t know how I would have coped as a single mom. She and my daughter had a standing Thursday night date, when Mom would pick up Caitlin from school, go out to dinner, and spend the rest of the evening playing board games. (At 86, Mom still plays a mean game of Chinese Checkers and can beat almost any opponent!)

It is rather remarkable to think of my mom at 86 – especially when so many of my friends’ mothers have passed away. It is daunting to consider getting older and facing all that goes with it, but Mom has faced her age with grace, humor, and a hefty dose of patience. Her attitude inspires me. Happy Birthday, Patsy (many exclamation points)