Happy Birthday Missy

This is my beautiful baby girl. She turns 30 years old on November 12.

Thirty years ago on November 12, 1976, it was a dark cold and rainy day in Austin, Texas. I was bundled up staying warm in my house except for the time I went to see the new baby up the street. How was I to know that you were the jealous type and I would go into labor while holding a 3 day old infant? At least you waited until after 5 on a Friday. I know daddy's boss appreciated that.

Your grandparents had just built a fire and sworn that nothing could get them out on a night as nasty as that night was when your father called them. They banked the fire, put on their coats and headed to the hospital. See everyone jumped for you even then.

You brought a lot of joy and laughter into our lives. There are so many memories that I have of your growing up. Like the time you toddled up to your daddy and asked him to buy you a puppy and Duke became a member of the family the next weekend. The way you liked to be the center of attention and was always performing for everyone in the room.

I remember how excited you would get when school was getting ready to start. You loved to get your new school supplies and you still do. I always thought the new school supplies is what kept you in school through your masters degree.

You were daddy's little girl and he was so proud of you. I still remember the wink he gave you when we walked into his hospital room the day he died. He always had that special smile for you.

I appreciate the woman you have become. You are a wonderful wife and mother. But most of all I'm proud of the person you have become. You are so full of love and compassion. You have a tenderness that all can see yet a strength that will get you through anything life throws at you. You are a true and loyal friend and a wonderful sister and sister-in-law. Plus no mother could ask for a better daughter.

When you were born I was so happy and so full of dreams for you. You have turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I am so proud to be your mother. You are my daughter but you are also my friend. Thank you for letting me share all the wonder of you.