Fore Brother

My older brother's birthday was this past Tuesday (5th). He is a huge golf fanatic so I purchased this Stampabilities "Vintage Golfer" stamp with him in mind several months ago. His birthday sometimes catches me off guard because it is so close to the holidays, but I was prepared this year. I am trying something new this year. SPecifically, I will make all my birthday cards for the month in the preceding month and prepare the envelopes for mailing. This month I chose cards from my existing stock for many of the January birthdays. Let's see how this works~ I am hoping to be better at getting cards to their destination on time.

On a bitter-sweet note, my 89 year old mother passed away last evening. Mom moved to a nursing home about four miles from my home in late May. She had been living with my sister for four years~ a real blessing for all of us & so giving of my sister; but Mom became increasingly weaker so it was time for round the clock care. Nearly thirty years ago, I moved from my home town to St. Louis (about a 3 hour drive). So when Mom moved near me in May, I was able to see her nearly every evening; something that was not possible since I was a young adult. What a blessing to be able to spend so much time together! Unfortunately, her health continued to deteriorate and last evening I was at her bedside when she passed peacefully.

The pictures below are from December 27th, when I organized a family holiday gathering at the nursing home for my family- my siblings and our children. Not all of Mom's grandkids could make it, but we had a small family crowd. My mom loved it! The first picture is Mom and all her children (Mom, me and my three siblings). The second picture is me with my family~my husband, and my two daughters. Although I am sad to have lost the best mom and the best role model in the world, I am happy as she is free of pain and with her love, my dad. If you have a spare minute or two, say a little prayer for Mom and my family.