Three Cheers for Charlene!

Today is my mom’s birthday.

I was about to say that my mom is awesome and then say something about how we’re a lot alike, but then I realized that is a backhanded way of saying I’m  awesome, which is kind of conceited, don’t you think?

However, my mom? Awesome.

And it’s true that we’re a lot alike.  We look alike. We finish each other’s sentences. We love the same places, the same music, and many of the same foods.

Heck, we work together. It’s not the first time we’ve worked together, either. I’ve been my mom’s boss more than once.  (She's ALWAYS the boss of me, she'll tell you. It's kind of true.)

My mom helped me to become a person who loves music, and art, and writing. She taught me that I was valuable, that I should believe in myself, that I am capable. She believes that I am beautiful, so sometimes I believe it. She taught me how to be strong. How to have courage. How to have faith.

My mom, man. She's pretty freaking amazing.

She's also my favorite person on this earth. She just is. There’s no one I’d rather hear the words “I’m proud of you” from; no one I’d rather make laugh; no one I’d rather sing along in the car with; and no one I’m more worried about disappointing. My mom is a rock star.

So if you know my mom, wish her a happy birthday. And tell her she’s awesome. It will embarrass her, but it’s true.