Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy 80th Birthday to an amazing woman, my Mom, Alice Ford! 

Born and raised in Lizard Bump, AZ

Brothers and Sisters from left to right: Linda, Von, Alice, Norman, LaVora, Ray

Beautiful Alice!

Her wedding day,  June 27, 1950

For my dad when he was in the Navy

My mom and dad owned a farm and raised 4 kids in the Australian outback for 10 years.
Now that is tough!

My wedding reception: Carrie, Dad, Ryan, Kim, Mom, Ava, Mike

Cruising fun with Dad, Ava, Mom, Carrie

Had a blast on the Disney Cruise: Mom, Kim, Ryan, Madison, Ashley, Sara, Faith

Her thoughts on being 80:

I never thought I would make it to 80! My mind is still the same, thinking, planning, dreaming but my body says no.

My mom is my best friend. I love her and I'm so grateful for her strength, wisdom and love. I'm grateful for the blessing to still have a mom here on earth with me!

I saw the letter below on Facebook a while ago and it perfectly sums up my feelings for Mom and the stage our life is at (especially today as we head to the cardiologist):

LETTER FROM A MOTHER TO A DAUGHTER:

"My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.

If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.

When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.

If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.

And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.

When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.

I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter."

- Unknown

Happy Birthday, Mom! Love you!