She would have...

She would have been 64 years old today.

She would have been off spending her annual gift card to the arts and crafts store to get more paint and canvases.

She would have loved to hear the memories that come flooding back as I raise my 9 year old daughter. How I recalled her spending an entire weekend studying over 500 spelling bee words so I could win the 4th grade spelling be and then go on to win the school spelling bee and represent my school in the district wide bee. I remembered this when I encouraged Katie to write her speech to run for Mrs. Stegent's 4th grade class representative. I want so badly for her to win, I can understand how Mom gave that time to me.

She would have grinned and said, "I remember too!" when I told her how my 7 year old wanted me to roll her hair in sponge curlers so she would have pretty curls for school today. More memories as I had her kneel in front of me watching t.v. with a cup of water to dip the comb in to dampen her hair.

She would have said, "I told you so!" when I told her how very right she was that the love for a little boy can totally overwhelm and knock your socks off and that girls are special and you will love them like no tomorrow, but there is just something about a boy. She would have loved her 1st and only grandson like nobody's business.

She would have tenderly brushed my tears away and said, "It's all gonna be okay Lanie." when I cried and told her there isn't a day that goes by I don't think of her and miss her so deeply.

She would have wanted me to smile, get busy, create and enjoy this precious life that I have been blessed with.

And so I will.

Happy birthday Mama...