Happy Birthday Julie Woodworker Hubbs!

My birthday is today!  For many years I have given my mother flowers on my birthday to thank her for giving me life and for the time she put into raising me.  In spite of the troubles I have had with domestic violence and escaping a domestic violence situation, I believe I was able to survive emotionally, physically and spiritually because she always believed in me.

My mom died nearly two years ago and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her and miss her.  I know that I will never hear her giggle again or hear her soothing, loving, and supportive voice.  I know I will never be able to give her a hug or kiss her cheek.

I know she lives strong in my heart and soul.  I know she lives strong in my son and daughter-in-law’s hearts and souls.  My grandson still remembers how Yia Yia “slaughtered him in Wii golf.”  My husband considered her one of his closest friends and misses “shooting the bull” with her.  My many cousins still speak kindly of their Aunt Jana.  My mom’s friends post on Facebook how they miss her dearly and remember the “fun times.”

Today, I will not be putting flowers on my Mom’s grave.  Instead, I will be take a quiet moment to reflect back on how lucky I am that God picked me to be my momma’s daughter.