Happy Birthday, Mom | The Women's International Perspective

I have been thinking about my mother quite a lot recently. In June, I gave a speech for my local branch of Toastmasters where I described her as my favorite superhero, gathered with my family to finally spread her ashes nine years after she passed away, and published an article here on The WIP about her struggle with domestic violence and the impact it had on my family.

My favorite photo of my mother on her wedding day. Photograph courtesy of the author.

All three of these events marked milestones in the healing process for me and allowed me to remember both the good and the bad from her life and that she was, and still is, my best friend.

Today marks what would have been my mother’s 50th birthday, and I thought the best to commemorate the woman who meant so much to me would be to reach out to her surviving friends and family and ask them to share with me their favorite memory of my mother.

I posted my request for memories of my mother on Facebook last week, and the memories began pouring in. I was so overwhelmed by all of the wonderful things that people had to share about her, and I am overjoyed to be able to share all of these wonderful memories today.

I remember receiving a package from my sister while I was deployed in Iraq in 2003. In the package I found squirt guns, a cooling neck wrap, little balls that you could soak and throw at people and a hand held tetris game. It was the perfect way to cool off and have fun in a hot, nasty and dangerous environment. I love her for that. It encompasses who she was and continues to be in my heart, a thoughtful, fun, considerate lady with a warm and giving heart.

~ Ami, sister

I remember the time [she] was in a fashion show at the elementary school with a dress mom had helped her sew. [She] walked to the school ahead of the family and was bitten by a dog on the way. She still went on stage for the fashion show and the doctor at Kaiser after. Its show her love of crafts, determination, and strength from a very young age.

~ Val, sister

I remember that she always thought of others. When she talked to me on the phone and could tell that I was feeling down she would try to cheer me up. She even sent me a letter one time filled with glitter in funny shapes.

~ Patrick, brother

I remember most her laughter. She would always call me day or night when she was down and soon I would have her laughing so hard she would be wiping tears of laughter off her face instead of sorrow. We were best buddies in our school years and did everything together and I have tons of memories from those years, they were the best. I love you. I miss you more than words can tell.

~ Mike, brother

What I remember most was her love. No matter what I did she still loved me. She had the best hugs. I never wanted to go home. I wanted to stay and do crafts with you guys!

~ Gina, niece

I remember when the dogs would dance with her, the German she taught me, and the popcorn balls she made on Halloween, to name just a few. She was a fun and lovable woman and she always made me feel welcome.

~ Monica, family friend

I remember all the days growing up that your mom watched us and we would do crafts and sing and dance. And when you guys lived with us for a moment and when we decorated for Halloween that was the best Halloween ever. And when she opened her arms and let me live with you guys. I loved her so much and I miss her even more. I wish she was still here with us. She was a truly amazing woman.

~ Jennifer, family friend

I remember her giving me advice even as a young child. I also remember how kind and big hearted she was. Truly defined as a cool go to mom with the best hugs and love. She welcomed pretty much everyone with a open heart and no time to judge others. Always had room in her heart for others. I miss her smiles, laughs, everything about her is truly missed. But one thing for sure God has gained a truly amazing angel that sill forever live in my heart.

~ Amber, family friend

Happy Birthday, Mom. We all love you and miss you so much and thank you for being the wonderful woman you were and still are in all of our hearts.

About the Author: Kimberly Amador earned her B.A. in Global Studies from California State University Monterey Bay and her M.S. in Gender and International Relations from the University of Bristol in England. Her interests include feminism, politics, and literature. She is a strong advocate against domestic violence, and is pursuing a career combating violence against women. Kimberly is The WIP’s Associate Editor.

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