Happy Birthday Mom

Today,

I celebrate a very important woman in my life…

My mom.

Our relationship, like life itself, has had its ups and downs. There were many years when my active addiction and reactive behaviors stood between us, clouding every conversation, every moment, and every memory.  It was not until the more recent years, I came to believe that my mom was always hoping, always loving, always waiting for the day I’d come back to myself.

That day did come…

By the grace of God, and one day at a time.

While recovery isn’t always a straight line, it has given me something priceless: the chance to rebuild, to reconnect, and to truly show up for the people who I craved to have a relationship with, especially my Mom.

This year, something beautiful happened, something we had never done before….

We took a trip together, just the two of us.

We flew together, stayed in a hotel together, and spent uninterrupted time side by side as we laughed, and shared stories, talking late into the night.

That might not seem like a big deal to others, but to me, it meant everything.

We’ve never had that kind of one-on-one time before. No distractions. No chaos. Just us. 

I cherished every single moment of it.

That trip wasn’t just about travel — it was about connection. It was about healing. It was about making up for time we lost and leaning into the time we still have. I’ll carry those memories with me forever, because they reminded me how far we’ve come — and how much I treasure the relationship we’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

The trip had been planned for over 4 months.  We were traveling to see my dear friend, Cindy’s daughter’s wedding.

  A few days leading up to the trip, my mom started to not feel well. She went to see her primary physician and they advised her that is was probably allergies.  I went to my mom’s the night before and we sat down and I told her, if you do not feel like traveling, we won’t go. Your health is most important and we can always take another trip. She insisted she was well, and the next morning we were off.  As we progressed throughout the day, she started feeling worse, and upon landing, my sister helped navigate finding a walk-in clinic near our resort and we headed that way.

After picking up prescriptions and checking into our hotel,  my mom settled in, and went to bed.  I was able to take care of her for once. She profusely apologized, and I told her that was not necessary, as if we were home, she probably would not have rested. 

Over the next few days I was able to support her getting better. 

She rested a lot, because she did not have a choice.  We had room service, watched the fireworks on TV; laughed ; she slept in late and as we were departing the last day, she was much better.  

So today, Mom, on your birthday, I want to say this:

Thank you, Mom. Thank you for loving me even when it was hard. Thank you for your quiet prayers, your steady support, your honest words, and your open heart. Most of all,  thank you for giving us both the chance to grow — together.

Happy Birthday to the woman who gave me life.

I love you more than words can say. Here’s to many more years of laughter, travel, healing, and memories made side by side.

-Love Amy