Happy Birthday

Here is an interesting thing you never knew about my parents. They share the same birthdate. They have 5 years difference between them, but both share a birthday today.

I read Proverbs every day (based on the date) while I have breakfast and last month when I was reading Proverbs 31, suddenly Mama came to mind. Surprisingly, the thought had never occurred to me before. She was and is a true Proverbs 31 woman. Especially the part about rising up while it is yet night and provides food for the household. I especially remember this one thing about her fondly. She does a lot of things amazingly well, but holding a tune is not one of them (I inherited it). She is a godly woman and so while it was yet night, she would wake up and sing make a joyful noise unto the Lord and read the Bible and pray. We were all expected to be down there at 5:45 am for family prayer, but I think most of the days, no one except Dad would show up. She worked full time and she was really good at what she was doing. She rose to meteoric heights in her career and I am so proud of her. Looking back, I am amazed at how she did it all. She rasied 3 children (one special needs), held a very responsible job, and even found time to sew and mend our clothes. My dad had to travel a lot for his job while we were children, and so a lot of time, she did it all alone. She plays a mean game of Chinese Checkers although I beat her at it all the time. She will not admit it either. At 61 years she learned driving and at 62 years, she is learning yoga. She is a force to be reckoned with and will give you a run for your money. I just want to thank her for a sacrificial life and the godliness she modeled to us daily. Happy Birthday Ma and may you have many more.

Dad and I have a very special relationship. We both share a love of Mathematics. He taught me until the 10th grade. He is a great teacher and some of my best memories are learning the 12 times tables and doing quadratic equations in the evenings. I always knew in theory that there was nothing I could do that would make him stop loving me and I have had it proved over the years. If I could describe him, I would quote James 1:27. I think about the words "unspotted from the world" and I remember how he would always be behind the scenes in all the weddings in the family. He would hardly be in any of the pictures as he was making sure all the other details were in place. He loves his children unashamedly and is not afraid to show it. When I moved out of the home I had lived for 23 years and came to Ohio for graduate school, my dad changed the clock in my room to read Ohio time. As I grow older, I realize how much of my life values, principles, and idealism is directly from him. When I call him after 6 days, instead of the usual 5 days, he says that it has been ages since he heard my voice. That always makes me laugh. He is a careful spender and has always in his life made careful financial decisions. When I wanted to study here, and was initially not offered a scholarship, he put all his savings on the line for me. By God's grace, I never did have to use it, but I can never forget that he trusted me enough to do that. He is the best Daddy a girl could ever wish for. Thanks Papa for a Christlike love for your family and may God bless you with many more happy, healthy years.