Today would’ve been my mom’s 52nd birthday. I only got 14 years with her physically here, but I feel her presence every day. Between her favorite songs randomly playing on Spotify or even just hearing my nuggets call me ‘Nanie’ (my mama was the OG Nanie). I will forever hold her life lessons close to heart and strive to be as strong and determined as she was. I love her miss her every day, but I know that she’s in a better place singing and dancing her behind off to her favorite jazz and old school hits. I know I’ll see her again and that brings me the comfort that I need.
My mom was awesome. I know most people say that about their moms, but I promise it’s true. She had a smile that could light up a room, an infectious laugh and a voice that could boom or be as soft as a whisper. She was firm, but she was fair. She made sure we knew right from wrong and would set us straight if we ever strayed.
My mom was my biggest supporter growing up. Whether it was buying any and everything that had *NSYNC on it (games, posters, magazines, chapstick, dolls, etc) or being the band mom that everyone knew. Games on Friday nights, early morning practices, holiday concerts, solo and ensemble competitions (with personalized shirts), my mom did it all. My love of music was heavily influenced by her and for that I’m forever grateful. Not only did she love to listen to music, but she had a pretty singing voice too. When I was younger I knew that I would spend the morning cleaning the house if I woke up and jazz music or old school jams were playing, but I also knew that we’d be singing and dancing while we did it. Thinking back on those moments now makes me smile, and I thought I’d share some of my mom’s favorites with y’all. I know that I usually do this on Tuesdays, but I wanted to wait until it was actually my mom’s birthday this week. So listen and enjoy, I know I will!
