Happy Thanksgiving/Happy Birthday Grandma

I have had a lot of great plans to write this week about all the things I am grateful for. I also planned to write a particularly touching and wonderful tribute about my mother on her birthday. My wonderful and heartfelt plans rarely see the light of day, and now here I am the morning after full of regrets for opportunities missed. Then I thought, "Hey, I'm still alive, so I guess it isn't too late yet!" So here is what I am grateful for:

A Heavenly Father who blesses my life, even when I don't deserve it.

Earthly parents who loved me and did the very best they could.

A mother who would stay up all night to make me a new dress, for no particular reason.

Brothers and sisters who are awesome.

A husband who would walk to the ends of the earth to put a smile on my face.

Children who are astonishingly good-looking, smart and talented.

Grandchildren who are even more astonishingly good-looking, smart and talented.

Health and strength.

Living in the "land of the free."

Being a member of the church.

Having a roof over my head, and food on the table.

Not having to pull a plow.

Sliced bread, paper plates, ice cream, chocolate, automobiles and airplanes.

Music!!

Recorded music!!

Dancing and singing.

And I say to myself, "What a wonderful world ......"


Emogene Romine Bailey:

Born November 22, 1928. The world is a better place for having her here. I am a better person for having known her. The world is also a bit more crowded because of her, and I, for one, think that is a very very good thing, because the world needs more of Gene's genes. I love you Mom!! Thanks for all you have done, and still continue to do for me and mine. You are an awesome mother, and my most loyal friend. Happy Birthday!!!!!