In the same way that I shared the letter to my son last month, my mother gave permission to share her birthday letter too. I doubt that you’ll enjoy it as much as she did—my hope is that it will motivate you to express some reasons of your own.

Dear Mom,

1. All you do comes from a place of love
2. You continually strive to be the best possible version of yourself
3. You do a good job setting limits
4. You’re always there for me and others too
5. You’re a serious survivor
6. You’ve taught me about God for as long as I can remember
7. You keep good books on your bookshelves
8. You stressed the importance of education
9. You’ve been a good role model for taking care of yourself
10. You always showed respect to your parents
11. You know how to choose a great partner
12. You’re beautiful (and yes, magnificent too)
13. You made it to 75!
14. You never stop learning
15. You exercise and take care of yourself
16. You appreciate beauty
17. You love music
18. You love butterflies
19. You strive for the best
20. You’re not afraid to go after what you really want
21. You treat all people with dignity
22. You’re respectful of people’s different faiths and beliefs
23. You have an amazing will to live
24. You’re able to differentiate what’s important from what’s not
25. You’re young at heart
26. You’re fun to be with
27. You’ve traveled the world
28. You’ve always been determined
29. You’re an amazing mom
30. You’re a great wife
31. You’re a terrific Savta (Hebrew for grandmother)
32. You’re open and loving
33. You’re always willing to forgive
34. You love animals
35. You’re generous
36. You give of yourself 100%
37. You ask for what you need
38. You’re not afraid to try new things
39. In other words, you’re brave and courageous
40. You’re smart and wise
41. You’re strong and capable
42. You’re carefree and gentle
43. You’re reasonable and rational
44. You’re curious and interested
45. You’re fun and playful
46. You’re full of life
47. You’re present and mindful
48. You’re careful and capable
49. You’re intellectual yet also silly
50. You’re pretty technologically savvy!
51. You’re compassionate and caring
52. You’re genuine and straightforward
53. You’re realistic
54. You’re optimistic and enthusiastic
55. You’ve always been clean and sober!
56. You’re considerate and attentive
57. You care for the environment
58. You’re soulful
59. You find the best in other people
60. You always see a silver lining
61. You’re accepting and able to go with the flow
62. You’re open to new ideas
63. You’re truthful
64. You’re a terrific gardener
65. You’re happy and joyful
66. You’re learning how to not worry and stress so much
67. You’re an amazing role model
68. You’re perfect just the way you are
69. Oh my gosh, you’re 75 years old!
70. You’re a bright shining star
71. You’re a free spirit
72. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders
73. You deserve to be pampered today (and every day)
74. I hope you sit on your butt and put your feet up
75. May you and your birthday be blessed

All my love,

Lorie