mother dear, I love you so.

My mom celebrated her birthday in Chile today. It's hard to know what to get your mom when she's so far away. We decided instead of buying her any gifts (which we wouldn't want to send overseas anyway) as her children, we would SERVE someone in her honor on her birthday. If there is anything my mother is a great example of, it's service. She is always thinking of something she can do for someone, always putting others needs before her own. Today she spent her entire birthday as a missionary in a foreign land-- and she said it was a perfect day. Of course she would say that.

We were able to talk to her for a minute before she fell asleep and we told her about the nice things we did for our neighbors today, although none of them were life-changing acts. My mom never spent tons of money on others. She wasn't usually making goodies and delivering them (although her bread was famous in the neighborhood). Instead she taught us, by example, that it's the little things that matter. She doesn't have a long list of talents that could be performed on a stage, but she is the best listener. She doesn't judge or criticize. She is always there for you when you need her, giving of her TIME, which is the hardest thing to sacrifice. She is the most uplifting, faithful, encouraging, strong, hardworking, fearless woman I know. I am so proud to call her mom.
This picture might not mean anything to you, but it's dear to my heart. On the day of her mission farewell, my little family said our goodbyes right after church. Everyone was in the house mingling & eating and Bev was no where to be found. It took me a minute to realize that Simon was also missing. I looked outside in their driveway and found both of them in my car. While Grandma Bev was giving Simon his last few kisses, she noticed his diaper was smelling ripe. Instead of handing him off to anyone else or even telling me that it was time for a change, she headed straight out to my car, found my diaper bag and changed him herself. This is SO typical of my mom. Had I not caught her with poopy wipes in her hand, no one would have ever known! She is quietly serving behind the scenes and never expects any credit for any good she does. And she is always doing so.much.good.

This picture I love too, although I can't remember what was so funny. Our last conversations with her weren't teary in the least. We were laughing and hugging and wishing each other the best of luck. She is SO HAPPY to be where she is doing what she's doing... that is also very typical of my mom. She lives in the present and is genuinely HAPPY to be exactly where she is, no matter the circumstances. I hope I can grow up and be just like her someday.

The kids drew birthday pictures today and we emailed them to her. I thought I would include them on our blog for family history's sake... We're thinking of you today, Grandma Bevie! Work hard, be safe and never forget how much we love you!