One of the best birthday gifts Mom gave the world

Emotion overload. That's the only way I can describe how I feel at this particular moment.

The circuit breaker can not take too much more.

Honestly, it's a good emotional overload.

Today is Mom's birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom!

I'm still having a very hard time grappling with the fact that one year ago today, Mom was alive. She was not feeling great, but we just celebrated her tremendous 80th birthday party at the Terrace Club which thrilled her to no end.

She was still talking with me, loving me, my companion and best friend.

I'm not going to sugar coat anything--I miss her so much it hurts. She was my Mother, my best friend, the reason I got up in the morning. She loved me more than anyone ever has, and more than likely, more than anyone ever will. She loved me with my extra poundage, my flaws, my faults and simply did not care about any of those items.

Contrary to what everyone tells me, I will never get over her death and what I am feeling now will never ever diminish.

Compounding the emotional overload is probably the biggest story of the year--the Chilean miners being rescued one by one, successfully.

I have no doubt in my mind that my Mom, Marianne, gave the world one hell of a birthday gift today as she assisted in some small way in making this miracle happen.

I stayed up for over 24 hours straight on my nephew's birthday. I'm not sure why but I did and I remember it as if it were yesterday...

I have stayed up for over 24 hours straight on Mom's birthday. I could not turn the miner rescue off last night and continued watching it to it's completion today.

It's been a wonderful day. Began the day attending Mass for Mom with Auntie. Starting the day off at church sets a tremendous tone for the rest of the day.

A dear friend from college sent me a wonderful poem about someone's first birthday in Heaven. Yes, it made me cry, but it was so beautiful. Thank you Dale.

A different work schedule, more Chilean miner activity.

Then heading home to continue watching the miner rescue as we had Mom's favorite meal from the Academy Tavern.

I can't even fathom the day Mom had. She's with family who've gone before her. She's with friends, people she admires, my dog Katie. Being human and finite, I can not even imagine what's happening in Heaven. But, I know one thing for sure. Mom is healthy, happy, the life of the party as usual. And, I'm sure she's saved me a piece of her birthday cake for when we meet again.

The entire day was perfect from start to finish. It had Mom's hand stamp all over it.

Thank you Mom and Happy Birthday! I love you more!!!!