All I am or hope to be

I love Washington, D.C.

I was blessed to live close to the capitol for a few years and took advantage of the opportunity to soak in the history, the grandeur of the heart of America. I've stood inches from the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.  I've walked past the White House.  I've beheld memorials of great men and great deeds done.

D.C. also has a more personal importance to me.  It's where I proposed to B.  I also have many fond memories of touring the capitol with my family.  There was one day in which we had an impromptu picnic by our car before trekking out to several Smithsonians.  Our crumbs were ravenously attacked by hordes of pigeons - none of us remember what else we saw that day, it's just referred to as The Pigeon Day now.  I've walked where Dr. King walked.  I've stood on the exact step before the Lincoln Memorial where he told the world about his Dream.

I've looked up to Dr. King since I was a child; he's my hero.  But what I think I often forget is that our heroes have heroes.  King admired Lincoln.  I admire him, too.  Standing in front of the massive statue seated at the Memorial, surrounded by towering pillars, it's an overwhelming sight.  Etched into the walls of the Memorial are the words of the Gettysburg Address.


But those inspired words aren't what comes to mind today.

Instead I remember another passage penned by our 16th President:

"All I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother."


Today is my mother's birthday.  Another year has passed in which I have taken advantage of her presence, her advice, her caring and listening ear.  Right now she's on a much-needed and well-deserved vacation in French Canada with my dad, celebrating their years together and the years mom has graced this world with her presence.



Mom,

I know all of the endless hours and years of patience, tolerance, kindness, and hardy determination that went into teaching and raising me.  I know I should have turned out a lot better considering the work put in, but I try a little harder every day to honor the years of sacrifice you put into not just me, but five other children who all love and adore you.  I remember the months when you bore the burden of leading the family while dad was deployed.  I've always admired your faith, your courage, and your natural capacity to love.  You are so sensitive to the needs of your family that often you know what we want before we do.

I smile remembering the times I made you laugh.

I ache for the tears I caused.

I live for the days I make you proud.

I am proud to have something in common with a man as great as Abraham Lincoln.  My mother is an angel.

All I am and all I can ever hope to become is because of you.


I love you Mom,



S