Happy Birthday, Mom

Today is my mom's birthday and I would like create what can only be referred to as an homage (something that shows respect or attests to the worth or influence of another age) to her. I included the definition of homage because while I do want to show respect for the countless lessons she has patiently and painstakingly taught me, she is hardly of another age. Mom and I are only 17 years apart in age which provided both perks and pits growing up. Example perk I didn't have to beg to watch MTV, we watched it together. Example pit we fought over the same albums and tapes! And as much as I would like to think of us as the Mexican Gilmore Girls, when I look back on it now my mom didn't try to be my best friend, she was always my mom. She was strict without being suffocating, she was fun while being responsible, she was a single parent, a minority woman and I am anything but a statistic because of her example of hard work, devotion and support!
To this day with one word my mother can make all of my fears, pain, and hesitation disappear, whether it be from a phone call home, or something she once said. Daily I think about things she has said when I am faced with certain decisions or just down in the dumps. Once when I was feeling particularly loathsome mom wanted to remind me of how good I had it and she said "If you were to put a bunch of people in a room and have every person put their biggest problem in a hat, and you got to choose the problem you wanted, 9 times out 10 you would want your own problem back" In that one phrase my mom taught me how to put thing into perspective when I am sad and how to be empathetic to the struggle of others. And even though I am an adult now there are still things that are a little crazy but sound fun, that is when I think of her saying "If you wouldn't do it with me there, then don't do it" I swear that one phrase has kept me from bad boys, tattoos and drugs, I have mom to thank for my unbroken heart, my clean skin and my career! She taught me things about respecting other people's property when she would have me apologize to her plant after slapping their leaves as I walked past them. She taught me about financial responsibility when this single mother of two, with no college education, met everyone of our basic food, shelter and clothing needs, and most of our toys, clothes and car wants. She taught me faithfulness when we up got for church in the morning and celebrated the sacraments together. She taught me the value of family when we would drive hours just to spend what felt like minutes with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She taught me friendship by filling our lives with people to love and laugh with.
The more I type the more I realize there are no sufficient words to describe all that this woman is to me.
Her love unconditional, her support unwavering, her humor unparalleled, our bond unbreakable. Happy Birthday Mom, you are my most blessed treasure.