Today would have been my mom's 79th birthday. Unfortunately, she died a little over three years ago, which was too early as far as I was concerned. But my mom lived with great physical pain the last years of her life and so I'm glad that she is relieved of that discomfort. She was such a special person, even though I know I am biased. When I spoke at her funeral service, many people came up to me to tell me how special she really was. I am so thankful for her influence in my life and I miss her very much.My mom had such a love for her family. She loved holidays, family get togethers, reading cookbooks and trying new recipes. She loved babies, clothes, hats, playing the piano and singing. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage. She loved to read, do needlepoint, knit and crochet. She loved to play practical jokes and enjoyed laughing. Sometimes it was difficult to know how much pain she was suffering because she refused to give in to it. Instead, she would tell a joke to focus the attention elsewhere. Besides being so beautiful on the outside, my mom was beautiful on the inside. I can have peace about her passing because I know where she is; in the loving hands of the Father. And one day I know I will see her again.