March 18, 2013

Mom

Mel, Rachel, my mom & me

Today is my mother's birthday, and the one thing that I wish more than anything was that I could somehow magically be in the Philippines to celebrate with her. Since I can't, I'm going to have to settle for giving her a public shout-out on the blog since she's simply the most amazing woman I have ever known in my life.

My mom is one of the sweetest and kindest people in the world. She may not be the most talkative person in the room, but she's got an innocent charm to her that can't be denied. She's a disciplined woman, and it is from her I learned to how to manage a household. She's skilled at handling many different responsibilities all at the same time, and I've always admired her drive to do her best with what's been given to her. At her very core, she's loyal and fiercely loving and shows the people she cares about as much as she can. 

I've always admired my mother, and though I've told her many times, I will never be able to say it enough. I love you mom. Thank you for raising me so that I became the young woman I am today. You are an amazing, wonderful, lovely person and I want all the happiness and peace that you truly deserve for you.

Now, since this is a bookish blog, let it also be credited to my mother that she instilled a love of reading in my heart. She likes to tell stories of how she used to read to me when I was still forming in her womb. And then there's actual video proof of me begging her to read book after book to me when I was a year or two old - I used to have this stack of Dr. Seuss books that I could never be parted from. Year after year, my mother encouraged my love of reading by supplying me with books on a regular basis.

Considering all of that, it might be surprising for you guys to know that there is one particular book that I am always thankful to my mom for putting into my hands. I may not have read it right away, kept it shoved in a drawer for a couple of weeks along with my other Christmas presents, but when I finally did read it, it was the most amazing experience.

What's the book? Why, none other than Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone!


My mother gave me the book that started my real love affair with reading and writing, the book that has inspired an instinct to weave stories and bring characters to life. That book affected me more profoundly than she probably ever knew, until now anyway.

So yes, my mom is obviously amazing, you guys.

Happy birthday mom! Let it be known to one and all that I love you from the bottom of my heart.

24 Comments:

  1. Aw, what a lovely post. Happy birthday Alexa's mom!! She sounds like such an amazing lady & you're proof of that ;) I love that your mom was the one who put Harry Potter in your hands. My mother was a Harry Potter fan, too. She was living in London when the series was still being written and I can remember her attending a JK Rowling signing! At the time I remember thinking, who is that?! some lady who writes about wizards??! haha Oh my.

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    1. I love that your mom was able to attend a JK Rowling signing! That's pretty darn awesome :) And yes, my mom is a LEGEND for putting the Harry Potter series into my hands. Of course, I'm sure she's regretting that she got me so obsessed with books every single time she sees the ones I've already accumulated.... ;)

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  2. Great post Alexa!! I always enjoy seeing bloggers credit special people in their life, especially Moms!! ... sometimes for encouraging a love for reading and sometimes just because.... I hope that I can be that kind of mother to the Baby Bettys. I want them to be able to look back someday and have positive feelings like this about me. Being a mama is pretty scary!! By the way, Judith suggested I wait on Harry Potter until the girls are older so that I can experience it for the first time with them!! What do you think about THAT?!

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    1. Your kids are blessed to have you as their mom, and I'm sure they won't forget that. I also think that Judith's suggestion is absolutely FAB and that you should totally do it!

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  3. Happy Birthday Alexa's mom!!! My mom too was the one who gave me the love of reading, and I couldn't be happier that she did. I'm so glad that you devoted this post to your mom, and giving her the attention that she obviously deserves :) Sending my best wishes to the Philippines!!

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    1. My mom is one of the most amazing people in the world. I will be forever grateful to her for sharing her love of reading with me, and allowing it to grow over the years ;)

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  4. Happy Birthday to your mom! What a great post. :) I'm so glad that your mom instilled the love of reading in you! She sounds like a wonderful person!

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    1. She's amazing. I'm so happy I was able to write this little post for her so that in some way, I can pay tribute to her for all she's done for me - including helping me become a reader!

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  5. This is such a great post, Alexa. I LOVE IT. Happiest of birthdays to your mom! She has a great daughter and I'm so glad she put books in your hands. Hey, I might not know you today if she didn't!

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    1. OH MY GOSH, THAT IS SO TRUE. I never thought of that! I should be extra grateful to my mom then, because I've met so many awesome, rad people like YOU thanks to my reading :)

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  6. Happy birthday to your momma! She's amazing :)

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    1. Thanks Cindy! I'll be sure and tell her that ;)

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  7. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR MOM XOXO

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    1. Thanks E! I'll definitely pass the well wishes on :)

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  8. This is so cute, and such a great way to honor your mom on her special day! Happiest of birthdays to your mom; here's hoping someone gives her a great book ;)

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    1. I actually have a few books lined up to send to her, so that should be fun. I know she enjoys escaping from life now and then with a good read!

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  9. This is lovely, Alexa! I love that your mom encouraged you to read and gave you the magic of Harry Potter. Happy Birthday to her!!

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    1. I will forever and always be grateful that she made Harry Potter a part of my life. Because seriously, that series ROCKS.

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  10. Awww, Alexa, this is such a wonderful post! I hope your mom has a very happy birthday and that you can hug her again soon! She sounds like an amazing woman and the picture of you, your sisters and your mom is gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Daisy! It's only going to be a few more months till I see her again, but it feels like forever :( And thank you for saying that about the photo!

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  11. :) My mom's birthday was also Monday! &, like your mom, mine started my obsession with HP (although I received mine as a birthday present).

    A very happy birthday to your mom - she sounds like an absolutely remarkable woman!

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    1. We're sort of Harry Potter twins then, hooray! I think it's fab that our mothers were so supportive of our reading :)

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  12. Your mom has pretty good taste if she bought you Harry Potter ! Hope she has a great birthday.

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    1. She does indeed! The books she chose for me when I was younger were always fun to read :)

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