To My Mom In Celebration of Her 80th Birthday

To my mom in celebration of her 80th birthday – a letter from the heart to my mother.

This year EVERYTHING is different. How we celebrate. How we show love. Even our realization that time is finite and that time & love are the most important gifts to the loved ones in our lives.

My mom turned 80 on Sunday. We usually celebrate by going out to eat, but as I said this year is different. We enjoyed a very quiet celebration here at our home (in the dining room). I created a pretty tablescape and we enjoyed a delicious dinner of chicken cutlets, meatballs & spaghetti, and Caesar salad – all prepared by Conor (who dreams of being a chef one day). Dessert was cannolis!

Here’s how the table looked – I just snapped these quickly with my phone:

At night, the table looked so magical.

In celebration of her birthday John painted her portrait based on this photo of a birthday celebration 5 years ago:

She cried when she opened the painting:

Didn’t he do such a great job?

My mom and I have a very, very close relationship. We talk every morning and she only lives 20 minutes away so I see her multiple times a week. In honor of such a special day I thought I’d write her a letter:

Dear Mom,

Happy 80th Birthday! You’ve received so many lovely messages in celebration of your birthday. Many commenting on your youthfulness and ageless appearance. I do hope that I get those wonderful genes, but what I truly think is beautiful about you is your heart. You are the most loving person, mother, grandmother. I truly think what people see as your agelessness is your love emanating from within.

I know you don’t think we look alike, and that I more resemble dad, but I do think I have your warm eyes and your smile.

At a very young age I remember struggling to read. You brought out the Little Engine that Could and, to this day, I’m certain that’s why I’m so stubborn and will never give up if I have a goal.

Do you remember our joyrides? We’d get lost in your tiny red car trying to find antiques and vintage finds. I always thought antiquing was something all kids did with their moms. I’m so glad I got bit by that bug early.

You’ve always been the epitome of style with gorgeous hats, jewelry, and tailored outfits. I remember the neighborhood kids calling you, “Fancy Nancy,” because their moms all wore sweatpants but you got dressed up even if you were staying home. You could have been a personal stylist. I know I always rely on these skills of yours.

Watching you help plan parties and greet people at the restaurant was magical. You are a true extrovert and so good with people. I’ve never seen someone who can remember people like you can. Entertaining and conversation come so easily to you. I have such lovely memories of working together at Baldwin’s, the restaurant you owned with Dad for 10 years.

I didn’t realize how much you did for me when I was growing up, or even as a teenager. All the laundry, cooking, cleaning, but even more than that! All the listening to my dreams, my worries, and my fears. I didn’t realize until I had my own children just how hard motherhood is. I didn’t realize how tired I would be with a newborn or how isolating that time can feel. You and dad were there at the very beginning to help with John and Conor. Now as they are growing into young men, it is wonderful to see your relationship with them grown and evolve. They truly are so lucky to have such a loving grandmother. It means so much to them when you come to see their band concerts and plays.

I’m not sure I say it enough, but I love you and am so proud of you. You are so very strong. You have taught me to follow my inner voice, that the “crowd” isn’t important. You have taught me how vital it is to tell your children and family how much they are loved and how proud you are of them.

I am grateful for the truly amazing friendship and love we have. I have so many wonderful memories of traveling to Italy and Bermuda with you, but my favorites are the simple things – the cup of coffee or conversations over soup. Life happens in the small moments and I’m so grateful for those small moments with you.

Happy 80th Birthday! We love you.

Love,

Dani xx