I always remember my mom on her birthday. More and more as time goes by she looks back at me from the mirror.  My mom was a bit of a character, always up for a good time, unfailingly generous and not one to be messed with.  I like to remember her when she was young and healthy, gathering my siblings and cousins into the convertible to drive to the St. Louis Zoo for the day or taking a car load of teenagers to the skating rink.  Ours was a home full of activity and other peoples kids and mom entertained them all.

She taught me grace under pressure and showed me how to make adversity into an adventure.  It was by her example that I learned to stand up for myself and to let go of the small stuff.  And, to be silly now and then because a big belly laugh is good for you.