On January 13, 2016 Mom turned 81. Here's how her stats stand as of now. Mind you, this is certainly not an all inclusive list but this is what has come to mind over the past few days...
Mom's Stats 2016
81 years of putting one foot in front of the other, no matter whatmarried to Pat for 51 years
a mom for close to 50 years
a grandmother for close to 16 years
persevered over the effects of a stroke for almost 10 years
fought multiple myeloma for close to 4 years
countless years of gathering friends with which to share laughter and sorrow
countless episodes of creating friendships with strangers and causing laughter in the most depressing places
constantly inspiring others to press on regardless of the circumstances
As I said, this list doesn't even begin to make a scratch on the surface of the 81 years of life that Mom has walked this earth. I didn't even mention the number of patents she approved or denied while working at the patent office, how many costumes she created for productions at Glenelg High School, the number of lives in which she has made a difference...it feels too overwhelming for me to try to get it all down but I wanted to write just a smidgen about Mom's accomplishments over the last 81 years, to acknowledge what a strong, loving,
This lady, my mom, she's pretty special, if I do say so myself.