My mother's birthday.
This incredible year that has shaped us in ways we never imagined. A year where I sat countless hours with my mom doing things I had dreamed about for years, everyday simple things, sharing life as one does without realizing the gift that it is: We cooked, fed the chickens, wrote letters, hung clothes on the line, baked pies, picked berries, laughed, watch TV, played cards, cheated, ate way too many popsicles, and cookies, cracked countless bags of walnuts, visited my dad's grave, made bouquets of flowers and said the rosary every night silently by each other's side.
I fell more in love with my mom. I saw her with adult eyes, I saw her for the powerful loving woman that she has always been. I saw her faith and how she lives her life in that faith. I have so much to learn by her example. Her steadfast truth in doing what is the right thing to do and to do it without counting the cost or expecting anything in return.
She loves to be in her garden and sits outside every chance she gets.
I spent five and a half wonderful months with my mom mostly alone during the beginning of Covid I watched it change our lives and witnessed how it was going to continue to change our lives as time goes on.
Spending those five and a half months with my mom was one of the most unexpected cherished gifts. Everything I had missed or felt I had missed came gently and reassuringly that love no matter the distance nor time passed is present, tangible, and real. I do not know why I am so fortunate to have been given such a richness but I am grateful for the source it has given my soul.
My mom the firecracker, whippersnapper, baker, cook, bottlewasher, decorator, giver, sensitive, heartful mom celebrates her birthday differently today but with an attitude that I admire and long to obtain.
(My mother doesn't like her picture taken, nor does she like attention brought to herself, so I am in big trouble. I mean BIG. But I live far away so I figure there isn't too much she can do except say, "Corey for crying out loud what were you thinking posting about me?"
In which I will answer, "Umm let's say Love You Mom."
Kate my youngest niece with her Va. Kate goes almost every day to see my mom and plays cards. Probably is learning to cheat, or at least catching my mom at her own game.
Usually, my family and I go "home" this time of year as it is the best time, my mother's birthday, not too hot, harvest, pomegranates are ripe, Halloween, Thanksgiving...
Last year my mom met her first and only great-grandchild Gabriel.
We had planned to be there this time of the year... instead, I send my mother a slew of videos of Gabriel.
My nieces send me photos of my mom (most of these photos are from them)
My mother has a fun-loving spirit, she is fast with wit and humor, and catches on to things at lightning speed. A tease, a jokester, and an easy laugh.
My mom loves to bake and does so every day. How I did not gain weight while at home I have no idea. My mom has taught my nieces and Sacha (who lived with her for a year after he finished school) to bake/cook. The photo above is when we made sweet bread (think butter) over and over again I can still taste it in my mind.
My mother has an enormous sweet tooth. Loves to snitch and lick her fingers. She knows a good thing and isn't afraid to dive into it with enthusiasm especially when it comes to family, baking, home... Life is worth living every calorie.
My mom and brothers Mark and Mat.
Zane and Marty weren't there that day so I will just say we are the favorites (which she would say, "I have no favorites!" And I honestly believe she doesn't.).
(My mom, my sister in law Diane, Maci, Molly, Kate, Patti (the oldest grandchild) and my sister in law Suzy.)
My mother created "Monday Night Dinners" every Monday since her first grandchild was born she made dinner for the family all by herself: Planned the menu, shopped, set the table, cooked, baked, cleaned up, and slept soundly like she does every night.
Note four pies and table decor, that is my mom full-throttle extraordinaire giving without asking for anything in return.
Boys in the kitchen,
My mom, Mat leaning on the stove, Marty, Warren, Andy, and Mark.
My mom picking pomegranates from her ever loaded trees.
The two funny ones my mom and her grandson Joe, there are others, but these two do have a funny bone.
Another thing my mom does is on the birthdays of those she has loved who have died and on holidays my mom goes to the cemetery cleans their gravestones and adds flowers or and decor. I kid you not with a big family like ours you can say she is at the cemetery nearly 365 days a year. She carries a little broom, dustpan, bucket, and clippers in her pickup just for that reason.
My mom with one of her sisters Louie, I think this was days before my mom started to stay at home due to covid. What fun we had. We baked sweetbread rolls A TON OF THEM, that they made for a church fundraiser auction. They let me eat 1 roll, 1.
My Aunt Louie would pinch a blob of dough for my mom and me to make the rolls. She knew exactly how many rolls she would have by eye, not by measure.
My mother decorates for each season or holiday and has bouquets of fresh flowers from her garden ALWAYS on the counter, and table.
My niece Molly sent me this photo. She took it looking through the window into my mother's home. Next to the window is the kitchen table, on Monday everyone has their "seat" this is where Molly usually sits. But since COVID nobody has been in my mother's home. It is her safe zone. When the grandchildren come to visit or my brothers/sisters-in-laws they visit outside. Can you imagine that? A home that was full of activity, cooking, and card playing and being loud and full?
Today is her birthday. My mom said she was going to bake a pie or two for whoever comes to visit.
She will have plenty of visitors. She is loved and grateful and trusts that even Covid cannot spoil her day nor her outlook.
"What will be will be so we only have our attitude to mind and faith to follow..." is what she would say.
Happy Birthday, Dear Mom!
Happy Birthday to your precious Mother. What a beautiful dedication to her.
God bless her always
Love Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 13 October 2020 at 10:21 AM
Happy Birthday! Your mom is stunningly beautiful and so talented!
Posted by: jackie | 13 October 2020 at 11:27 AM
How absolutely beautiful! I'm so very overcome with joy for you and your family. A most Blessed and Happy Birthday to your amazing Mother.
Posted by: Cynthia Thompson | 13 October 2020 at 02:48 PM
What an amazing human being, all these things you write of and such a snappy dresser to boot! When you quoted her to say “for crying out loud...” that hit me home of my mother who always said that. Happy birthday and many happy returns!! xx
Posted by: Tracy H | 13 October 2020 at 03:16 PM
Happy Birthday to your mom. Can see the love especially in the kitchen, the center of love. Blessings to you, your mom, and family.
Posted by: Ann of Avondale | 13 October 2020 at 03:53 PM
Happy Happy Happy Birthday to your wonderful, beautiful Mom!!! Wishing her every happiness that life can bring. xoxoxoxox
Posted by: RebeccaNYC | 13 October 2020 at 03:54 PM
Dear Corey, I met your Mom years ago at the store. I remember thinking, "This is a strong woman," and I wanted to be stronger. I asked my niece about her. "Oh Delores, she said, she is the hardest working women, I just saw her driving her truck with some gardening stuff from the church." I know she will have a lovely Birthday. A warm October day to sit outside and visit with her family. Happy Birthday, Mrs Amaro!
Posted by: Becky Peterson | 13 October 2020 at 04:30 PM
Happiest birthday to you mom, Corey!! How wonderful is that to have a lovely family as hers ❤️🌹❤️
Posted by: Irina | 13 October 2020 at 04:30 PM
I think I just fell in love with your mom!
What a wonderful life she has led, full to the brim with all the important things, faith, family, service, and love.
Happy Birthday to Corey's Mom!!! I hope it brings her much joy!
Posted by: penni | 13 October 2020 at 05:31 PM
Happy Birthday to your Mother!
though i have never met her, your mother is one i have admired since first meeting her on your blog.
my mother passed in 2001 , but how i love mothers of friends.
though not a word i have spoken with her, nor a second spent together, i see her as calm and resolute, yet a firecracker of sorts. with talents galore, a giving,sharing, fun and very loving woman. i admire her from your loving comments about her.
i appreciate this post most of all. i am happy you had your 2020 season together. it sounds whole, loving, warm and wonderful.
cheers to the both of you.i am happy for your relationship. prayers for continued birthdays spent sharing your love.
xoxo jody
Posted by: jody | 13 October 2020 at 05:38 PM
Happy Birthday to Corey's very cool, very classy mom!! This post was such a delight to read. Pomegranates - I remember tasting those the first time from a tree as a teen. I couldn't believe something that tasted so wonderful was just growing there to be picked. Love the picture of the four of you too.
Posted by: Diogenes | 13 October 2020 at 05:45 PM
Happy Birthday to your amazing mom!!
Posted by: Lil | 13 October 2020 at 06:02 PM
Love seeing all these wonderful pictures...have a very happy birthday Aunt Dolores xoxo
Posted by: Diane Belforte Lewis | 13 October 2020 at 09:44 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY-- HAPPY DAY-- HAPPY YEAR-- HAPPY LIFE! All good and happy wishes for a woman I feel I know! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: g | 13 October 2020 at 09:46 PM
Happiest of birthdays to your mom Corey.
You and your family are so blessed indeed!
Posted by: BeckyFar | 13 October 2020 at 10:01 PM
I love this, loved reading every single word!!
Thank you for sharing your mom, her spirit, with us.
Happy birthday to your remarkable Mom!
Posted by: Susan | 13 October 2020 at 10:05 PM
Bom aniversário, Dolores!
BTW, we have the same pink-and-blue stripe mixing bowls -- love 'em!
Posted by: Kathie B | 13 October 2020 at 10:36 PM
Wishing you a very happy birthday, Mrs. Amaro! And many happy returns.
Posted by: Star | 14 October 2020 at 01:55 AM
Happy Birthday to your dear mom, Dolores!
I loved that I have met her when traveling through on I-5.
xoxo m
Posted by: Marilyn | 14 October 2020 at 05:41 AM
Your Mom is beautiful. I wish her the happiest of birthdays.
Posted by: Susan | 14 October 2020 at 06:47 AM
Happy B-day Delores!!!!! You are a Pillar in your Family and this Community. I send you Birthday Blessings and Happiness for many many more years. Birthday Wishes, Vicki
Posted by: Vicki | 14 October 2020 at 07:33 AM
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Amaro!!!😘
Posted by: Carol | 14 October 2020 at 07:50 AM
Happy Birthday, to your dear mother, Corey. Such a beautiful tribute on her special day. Your family will all be together in spirit.
Posted by: Irene | 14 October 2020 at 07:52 AM
Joyeux anniversaire! And, thank you for being a parent; Corey is a gift.
Posted by: Ella | 14 October 2020 at 07:56 AM
How could your mother not be wonderful! As well, today is our darling daughter's birthday. Brava to each!
Posted by: Denise | 14 October 2020 at 08:06 AM
Happy Birthday Mrs. Amaro. Thank you for allowing us the honour of getting to know you through Corey.
Posted by: Franki | 14 October 2020 at 08:10 AM
Happy belated birthday to your lovely and delightful mom. Cheers, Mrs Amaro, and good wishes for a wonderful year ahead!
Posted by: Jo Eike Smith | 14 October 2020 at 09:15 AM
The most beautiful love letter ever! Happy Birthday mum! It's my birthday too, but today, October 14th, so I think we're one day apart. But we are a good lot, aren't we?!
All the best, every day and may God bless and keep you for much, much, much longer - I'm sure you will for many years to come be the whirlwind and blessing for all around you.
With a loving heart, Kiki
Posted by: Kiki | 14 October 2020 at 10:48 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY...AND MANY,MANY MORE...FROM RED BLUFF...JUST UP THE ROAD FROM YOU...
Posted by: Bette Lee Collins | 14 October 2020 at 12:50 PM
I can’t imagine being a member of such a large loving family! How rewarding it must be to be the matriarch of such a family. I wish her the HAPPIEST of birthdays🎂 The last phrase, what will be will be, I’m copying for my bulletin board to remember and reread. Thank u for sharing Corey.
Posted by: Texas Francophile | 14 October 2020 at 01:16 PM
Happy Birthday, sweet Mama!!! May your day be filled with blessings!!
Posted by: frieda borowicz | 14 October 2020 at 01:36 PM
Corey, your Mom is a true delight, a one-of-a kind and deserves this loving, heartfelt honor of a post from her daughter who loves her so much. It is the simple things that find their way into our hearts and mean the most. Birthday wishes to your Mom...
Posted by: Kathy | 14 October 2020 at 02:44 PM
Happy Birthday, Corey's mom. I say that I only need to hear happy birthday from my mom and that is enough of a birthday celebration. Moms need to only hear it from their children, I'm sure.
Posted by: Alan | 14 October 2020 at 02:56 PM
Happy B-day to Corey's Mom! A remarkable woman. She, I am sure, is the center of the universe for the family. She is totally inspiring. Enjoy your day, B-day girl.
Posted by: Susan | 14 October 2020 at 03:36 PM
Happiest of birthdays Corey’s Mom! CoCo, your mom is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen (so no wonder you’re beautiful because you look so much like her!. Please tell her I think she has the most gorgeous head of hair, if mine looks like that at her age I will be so happy. You and I are the same age but my mom died six years ago, and Oh! what a treasure you have still today. Hugs!
Posted by: Suzette Bannister | 14 October 2020 at 04:08 PM
Happy Birthday Mrs Amaro, Mom, Va. And thank you for sharing your birthday with friends from around the world! Have a wonderful day
XOXO
Stephanie M
Texas
Posted by: Stephanie M | 14 October 2020 at 04:52 PM
What a wonderful gift for your mother and the memories created by her. She is a marvel as you are, Corey. I think of so often. With love to you and your family.
Posted by: Charland | 14 October 2020 at 04:56 PM
The most beautiful words about your darling Mother...what a blessing it was for the 2 of you to have the time together. I totally believe things like this happen for a reason...Happy Birthday to your Mother! ❤️
Posted by: Teresa Young | 14 October 2020 at 05:08 PM
Corey, please accept my sincerest birthday wishes to your very remarkable mother! Her energy and flair have been passed on to an equally amazing family, especially to her loving daughter.
Posted by: Chico Sue | 14 October 2020 at 05:42 PM
Dear Corey, LOVE - LY. Your showing of love brings JOY to my heart. Cheri
Posted by: Cheri Hansen | 14 October 2020 at 07:24 PM
Happy Birthday from one of your admirers in Oregon, Mrs. Amaro! 🎇🎈✨
Posted by: Leslie in Oregon | 14 October 2020 at 10:15 PM
Happy Birthday Mrs Amaro. Corey what a wonderful tribute to your dear mother.
Thank you for sharing.
Ali
Posted by: Ali | 15 October 2020 at 06:28 AM
Happy Birthday to your wonderful mom! Sending best wishes that happiness will be with her on her special day and always. Such a blessing to have her still with you Corey!
Posted by: Cathleen | 15 October 2020 at 07:00 PM
Tears streamed down my face as I read your birthday tribute to your mother. Intertwined tears of joy for your blessings, mixed with tears of longing for my own. May you continue to celebrate these birthdays for a long, long time.
Posted by: amelia j | 17 October 2020 at 02:35 PM
I'm catching up a bit on emails, including your posts. You are so blessed to have a family such as yours. Belated birthday greetings to your beautiful, soulful, wise mother.
Posted by: pmj | 20 October 2020 at 10:34 PM