💐Happy Mother’s Day! I Love You, Ms. Bear!đŸ»

Mothers Day Mothers DayHappy Mother’s Day!! When it comes to mothers, I definitely hit the jackpot. This lady is the sunshine of my life! She’s the apple of my eye! She’s my rainbow after so many storms! And of course, we all know that she’s my Ms. Bear! I’m thankful for her every day!

Ms. Bear and I have sure been through quite a lot together. We’ve had lots of good times — just ask her about all the funny banter we’ve shared over the years. Granted, most of said banter was me telling her about some piece of exciting, juicy pop culture news or a long-winded explanation of the grand plans I have for my blog.

But we’ve also been through some dark times. Times that were scary and confusing and painful — times that I wondered how we would make it through to the other side. We always did see the light at the end of the tunnel, though, even if the tunnel seemed to stretch on for miles that soon started to feel like days that turned into weeks that turned into months that turned into years. We stuck together and we got through it. We got through it all.

Mothers Day Mothers DayI sometimes still wonder how I got through those painful times, but I never wonder who got me through. Ms. Bear. She’s better than any superhero, and she easily puts all the Avengers to shame with her power. And what’s that superpower, you ask? It’s a little something called LOVE, and she just radiates it like whatever superhero had that lightning bolt (was it Thor? I don’t know these things, obviously…); she lights up the world with that lightning bolt. Truthfully? She makes it all look effortless — all this superhero work she does just seems to come naturally to her, as if she doesn’t even have to try.

So I know I probably sound like a broken record when I say this, but I wish she would take some time for her. Take some time to relax. Take some time to unwind. Because of all the superheroes in the world, she deserves it the most!

I love you, Ms. Bear!! You’ll always be aces in my book!! xoxo

P.S. Doesn’t that Mother’s Day cake look yummy?? Janelle made this homemade goodness and it was delicious to the max!!

đŸŒčHappy Mother’s Day to the Best Mom Ever💘

MomHappy Mother’s Day, everyone!! It’s a very special day because, well, moms are incredibly special people, aren’t they? And, I may be a bit biased here, but I happen to think my own mom is pretty special herself.

Or, wait. Maybe that’s the biggest understatement of all time. Moms are special, but they’re also loving and kind and beautiful and extraordinary and inspiring and fearless and brave and brilliant. And so much more — the list just goes on and on! So how can we even come close to accurately capturing what our mothers mean to us? How can we articulate that mother/daughter bond that has become such a part of us.

Something tells me that we’re doing it all the time, not only on Mother’s Day. As much as today is about the big gestures and glam, flashy gifts, love and togetherness happen in those small, quiet moments. Playing a rousing game of Yahtzee. Trekking up to the gas station for a refreshing soda pop on a hot and humid day. Spending a leisurely evening watching favorite shows together.

For me, especially this year, love — and pride — has come in the form of me getting to take care of my mom. After her surgery in January, I told her (again and again…and again!) that I was going to take care of her. I wanted to take care of her just like she took care of me for all those years in the hospital and at home after my own surgeries. I also told her that no matter how much I do, it would never even hold a candle to everything she’s done for me over the years. She seemed to roll her eyes at that one and give me her classic “Oh, come on” line, but her mini protest didn’t stop me.

Because I’m never going to stop. I’m always going to want to take care of her. I’m always going to want to make her happy and make her smile and make her day a little brighter. After all, she’s done all those things for me and then some. I’m a better person because I have her for a mom. Trust me, I thank my lucky stars every single day for that. Was it fate that made the two of us mother and daughter? You all know I’m a very rational person, but in this case, I simply can’t discount fate’s powerful role.

Maybe it was also fate that had a hand in my Mother’s Day gift fe her. I wanted to get her something extra special this year, so a couple months ago, I sent a photo of my mom and Harry to an artist. I chose the shot from Harry’s big adventure at the apple orchard and the result is the above gorgeous illustration. Melissa Hiebert, the artist, sent me a preliminary sketch shortly after Harry died and it was then I realized that this illustration couldn’t have come at a better time.

MomSo whether it’s a blessing or a curse, Ms. Bear, you’ve got me for life. Just like I’ve always had you. Thank you for the love, comfort and security. My love for you overflows. Thank you forever and ever.

And thank you to ALL the mother figures in our lives. Make sure you give yours a big hug today and tell her how she’s influenced who you are… xoxo

On Seeing Our Parents As Human

Seeing Our ParentsI’m realizing that at some point, we all see our parents through a lens we never anticipated. I’ve wanted to write about this for awhile — you know, how we all have that moment where we stop seeing our parents as superheroes and realize they’re human just like us. That metaphorical cape is suddenly gone, and we now see that our parents are just trying to do the very best they can in this life.

I suppose a little backstory is in order: For the last few weeks, Ms. Bear hasn’t been feeling like her go-go-go, speedy self. She’s felt overly tired, and, as Janelle and I noticed, her classic spark has disappeared. As you all know, this is very unusual, as Ms. Bear typically has far more energy than Janelle and I combined. Yes, you read that right. A woman in her early 60s can outpace two (young?) women in their 30s. It’s OK — we’ve learned to just accept it.

But back to Ms. Bear’s concerning symptoms. A blood test revealed that her thyroid numbers were out of whack. She struggled with her thyroid when she was in her 20s, shortly before she got married, and has been on medication ever since. Her numbers had been controlled and were holding steady — well, until now, that is.

After a few calls to her doctor and a trip to the pharmacy, she now has the magic elixir in her hands — a higher dose of her medicine — and she took the first dose this morning.

Hopefully, we’ll start to see Ms. Bear back to her old self really soon! Janelle and I are doing our best to take excellent care of her. We’ve been using a lot of words like “calm down,” “slow down” and “be gentle with yourself” because, for some odd reason, she seems to forget that. A LOT. Those words flow out of my mom’s mouth so easy when giving other people pep talks, but she seems incapable of taking her own advice. Weird, huh?

This whole experience, though, it’s made me just want to take care of Ms. Bear, you know? I suppose we all have that moment when we realize that, yes, we’re still our parents children, but we’re no longer “kids,” if that makes sense. We’re adults now, and maybe the time has come for us to be our own superheroes. Maybe our parents really are just human, and I’m not saying that like it’s a bad thing. Maybe our first glimpse of our parents as human is the first step in forging a deeper, more meaningful connection. Maybe it’s an invitation to have new types of conversations — a real chance to get to know each other in this new light.

Maybe, most importantly, it’s the beginning of something, not the end of something else.

I’m going to (try!) to have one of those meaningful conversations with Ms. Bear tonight. Will you join me and chat with your parent or parental figure in your life?? I’d love to hear what you’re talking about, if you feel comfortable sharing in the comments! xoxo

Happy 61st Birthday, Ms. Bear (and a Special Surprise!!)

happy 61st birthday ms bearHappy 61st Birthday, Ms. Bear!! I’m beyond thrilled it’s your birthday! Forgive me if I make like a mom for a moment because I just have to ask…where do the years go? They just seem to keep rolling on by, faster and faster every year!

I know I say this all the time, but today especially, I want you to know how proud I am — both to call myself your daughter and to call you my best friend. Your strength, love and light are nothing short of AMAZING and I’m thankful every day that you’re in my life. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and I hope you know that I’ll ALWAYS be here for you!

Now, on to that surprise!! I thought it would be fun this year to feature some birthday wishes from friends and family, so I reached out to your nearest and dearest! Don’t worry…of course they all had good things to say about you!! Hope you enjoy this little trip down memory lane with these sweet stories…

“I have more fun and endearing memories of Sharon Blake than I could possibly recount for a blog! When I was pregnant, Sharon brought me fresh cut up vegetables every day for lunch so I could eat healthy without all the extra work. She once went to Rockford to get a student’s ID that they had left at a restaurant unintentionally. She bakes my favorite cookies and shares them with me just because. She volunteers her time to so many great causes — Rainbows and Barb Food Mart among them. Doing things for others is “just her way.” Sharon has made a difference in more lives than she realizes in her 61 years. She is a dear, dear friend and I’m so grateful our paths continue to cross! Happy birthday!”

–Jessica, former co-worker

———-

“Your mom is the best! I remember being a young college girl dating your Uncle Bill and having dinner over at your mom and dad’s apartment. She is such a great hostess and made me feel so welcome in your home. She just made you feel special by asking questions about your life and making you feel so calm. I treasure those times and always think of them with a smile! Happy Birthday, dear Sharon!”

–Lisa, sister-in-law

———-

“I met Sharon at the ‘Y’ in our Zumba classes. We just seemed to bond (goodie for me) right from the start. I think I had asked her if she remembered one of my cousins that she had worked with, and she did! That was another thing that we had in common. Sharon graciously shared her wonderful almond cookie recipe and THAT really put her over the top with me!!!!! 😉 I made her cookie recipe for the first time this Christmas holiday, and it was a hit with my family and friends. What I am trying to get across here is…I feel very, very blessed to claim Sharon for a wonderful, special friend. 😉 I send her my very best wishes for a Happy, and Blessed Birthday. Love & Huggs, too!!”

–Lela, friend and fellow Zumba warrior

———-

“The first time I ever saw the Blake family was way back in the mid-eighties. I worked at The Junction Bookstore and on a couple of summer evenings, I would see them strolling down from Baskin-Robbins to the bookstore. Years later, when I started subbing, I had the good fortune of working with her at Clinton Rosette (named after my mom’s great uncle!). She was always very helpful and was a good mentor. I have seen her handle any number of challenging situations. Her strength was, of course, tested the most when Brian passed. She is a strong, smart and very loving woman, and I know her girls know how blessed they are. I wish her a wonderful year ahead.”

–Linda, friend and former co-worker

———-

“Sharon Blake is a very special person to me in my life. I had the pleasure of having many of my childhood memories with her and her amazing family. Those memories are very near and dear to my heart and unforgettable. I feel very blessed to have had Sharon and her family in my life. We definitely need more people like Sharon in this world. I wish her nothing but the best and the happiest of birthdays.”

–Amanda, childhood friend of Melissa

———-

“Happy birthday from the oldest of the sisters to the youngest!  I am thinking of a story to bring you a smile. My family had already arrived at the reunion. Yours was last to come. We waited. We wondered–where is she? You had driven hundreds of miles with your family and all of us hoped you were safe and sound. Safe? Yes. Sound? No. You were in a dither. It seems that in the sweltering heat of Alabama, you had pulled into town with the windows down. Wanting to arrive cool, calm, and collected, you stopped at a drive-through car wash. In your haste to arrive, the windows stayed down!!! The water went everywhere. Yes, you were wet. The car was wet. And we were wet — with tears from laughing. We all had a good laugh. And we have since had many laughs remembering you arriving and asking “Does anyone have a towel?””

–Carol, sister

———-

“Very happy birthday to you! Years have gone by, but inside we’re still the same little girls who played Barbie and caught lightning bugs in jars after dinner. I hope you have a wonderful year, full of delightful surprises and big happy smiles.”

–Elaine, sister

———-

“Sharon is one of the most loving and giving people I know. Regardless of what’s going on in her own life, she is always the first one to offer to lend a hand to someone else. I have been on the receiving end of that kindness many times and have really appreciated it. There are no pretenses whatsoever where Sharon is concerned. She is as down to earth as they come and just gets on with it no matter what she is facing. When I’m around Sharon, I can’t help but be positive and find my better self. I love that we are the same age and born just one day apart!”

–Pam, friend

“S Swimming, something she loves to do
H Harry, one of her cats
A Almond cookie lady
R Right on time and never late
O Others, puts them before herself
N Nice…”

–Wendy, sister-in-law

———-

“As a minister, I have been the one blessed to have Sharon as a member of our church. Sharon does what few others commit to do — she cares for others beyond her own family and friends. And believe me, some of those folks have been tough to care for! She has made meals, given rides, listened to troubles, led a grief group, taken minutes at more meetings than I can count, went to a camp out with Brian and the girls, runs the holiday cookie exchange, coordinates the backpack drive for students in need, sang in the choir, served on the Board, makes cookies for all kinds of events, sets the schedule for the greeters every Sunday morning (and trains them!). And as minister, I have called upon her in special circumstances because she is a woman I trust and love. She lives with integrity, hope and faith in humanity even when things look bleak. Thank you, Sharon, for being in my life and a part of my church. And, I just have to say that my favorite cookie she makes are her chocolate chip!!! Yummy.”

–Linda, church minister

———-

“Wow, so many wonderful memories! I certainly cannot add any more complements than have already been said. I think it is so sweet of you to honor your mother on her birthday like this. I know she will just love it. Sharon is such a positive person! It is always nice to just be around her. I am lucky to have her as my sister-in-law. Happy Birthday to you, Sharon! May your special day be fabulous!”

–Bonnie, sister-in-law

———-

“Sharon is probably the most selfless and giving person I know. I had the honor of working with her for about ten years that were full of laughter and tears. Something that I always admired her for was when she formed the student grief group called Rainbows. Because of her own grief, and that of her own girls, she understood the importance of supporting students in their sadness and honoring the memories of loved ones lost. Sharon paved the way for her students’ hearts to begin to heal. I love Sharon and am so blessed to have her friendship!”

–Holly, friend and former co-worker

———-

“Sharon is who I want to be when … If I grow up. Responsible, kind, funny, sensible, talented and generous. She and I were lunching one day when a mutual friend sent me a text with a grave concern. She left her lunch when I did and came with me to the friend’s house without hesitation. I am impressed with her integrity and honesty. She is the ideal humanitarian in my eyes.”

–Bonnie, friend

———-

“I have many fond memories of your mom (and entire family) growing up. She was always so warm and kind! Of course, I’ll never forget her amazing almond cookies! Her hospitality and kindness are what set her apart. She’s always offering support as a mother when I post about my frustrations and struggles. I hope she has a wonderful birthday and feels how loved she is!”

–Bridget, daughter of Sharon’s childhood friend

happy 61st birthday ms bearWe all love you, Ms. Bear, and are SO thankful you’re in our lives! Here’s to a wonderful birthday and happy year ahead! xoxo

P.S. Ms. Bear’s past birthday posts: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016…

Thoughts on the Election: Where Do We Go Now?


I was all set to officially unveil the blog makeover yesterday, but in light of the last 36 hours, it just seems incredibly wrong right now. So I will hold off until next week. Instead, I wrote this essay. There are many things need to be said and felt and processed. We’re strong and please know that I am with you — today, tomorrow and always!! I love you all… xoxo

I come from a long line of strong women. My grandmother left her small hometown in Michigan when she was just 18 and headed to bustling Chicago for nursing school.

My mom is never prouder than when she’s telling the story of how she’s never missed voting in a presidential election. When I was growing up, she’d regale us with her historic tales, and the older I got, the more I started to realize that her stories were much more than idle dinner conversation. Her stories were lessons. To her, voting wasn’t just a passive act. It was a responsibility — the kind not to be taken lightly. The kind that demanded participation. The kind that called you to raise your voice and say, “Yes, I need to be that change I wish to see in the world.” The kind that asked one question: If not me, then who?

And over the years, I’ve come to appreciate my mom and her lessons more and more. Not so much for showing me exactly what to do, but more for showing me what’s possible and the differences just one person can make.

So I suppose it wasn’t even a question that I would register to vote. When I turned 18, it came as naturally as graduating high school and heading off to college; it was just what you did — a logical step in growing up.

Yet being born with a disability also helped stir that fire deep within me. Part of growing up, at least for me, meant being a voice. And being a woman? That meant being an even louder voice. Maybe that’s why I’ve stood in solidarity with Hillary Clinton since the early days of her campaign. She’s stood tall and strong, which has made me feel tall and strong, but I won’t pretend that last night’s election results didn’t sting. I found myself at a loss for words, devastated at the thought of a future that rebuilds the glass ceiling and replacing all the light with utter darkness. Like so many Americans, I wondered
what’s going to happen to our world?

But this morning, I got out of bed. I pulled the covers off and put my feet on the ground. I felt shaky, but my resolve was still there. The resolve I’d built up, inspired by Clinton, because that innate fighting spirit is something that can never be taken away from me. It can’t be shattered by a loss or a disappointment, no matter how big said disappointment is.

We’re all strong. I learned that from my mom and Clinton.

Clinton didn’t just break through the glass ceiling; she shattered it into a million tiny pieces, blazing a trail for generations behind her. Regardless of your political leanings, there’s no denying the importance and impact of her historic nomination. The first woman EVER nominated. That’s quite an accomplishment and a confirmation that, yes, things are changing for the better.

We all have stories to tell and if I’ve learned anything from the feminists in my life, it’s that we must never shy away from those stories. We have a duty and a responsibility to speak up and speak out — against injustice, against bullies and against those who try to tell us that we have no place being who we are.

Because who you are is such a beautiful thing, and that is something to be proud of. Our world needs you now more than ever before. Don’t hide in shame or fear. Be brave and be you.

Dare I say, it’s made me the (nasty) woman I am today!

[Statue of Liberty illustration by artist Karen Hallion]