I know you don't like your birthday because it reminds you of the end of summer, and I know you hate when things end. I know this particular birthday is exceptionally hard on you. No one wants to grow older, especially not half a century.

You may not see it as a blessing, but I sure do. Your heart has beat about 2,100,000,000 times. You have been making other hearts skip a beat all your life. You took 368,164,450 breaths. Imagine how many you took away from everyone else since you were born. How amazing is that?

I know these past years haven't always been the best, but you've made it through, stronger than ever. You have loved and lost, but you never gave up hope. You never stopped believing. You never stopped radiating, even if you think you did. You are just as beautiful as ever, Mommy. You have handled life with grace and dignity. Now you can laugh without fear of the future. You are making the best of a difficult situation and for that, I am thankful. I am so lucky to have you as a role model.

Thank you for rocking me to sleep. I'll always be your sunshine. Thank you for teaching me to tie my shoes even if I forget to do it frequently. Thank you for letting me dance, kick, and run wild. Thank you for catching me and reminding me that baby birds fall before they learn to fly. Thank you for encouraging me to ramble when I was younger, I couldn't learn to use my voice effectively without you. Thank you for being you.

You have never given up on me no matter how much I screw up or how much I disappoint you, and I know you never will. You're always there for me, and I will always be there for you.

Mama I hope you find joy today, even if it is just from a hug and a kiss from me. You deserve the world and I wish I could give it to you. One day, I'll try to. Until then, happy birthday, Mama. I love you to the moon and back.