today is my mama’s birthday. yup. and it is kind of a big deal. 50. wow. you wouldn’t know if you looked at her or saw how she lived her life. she kicks all of our butts at the gym. true story. if you know anything about us shipley’s you know we like to play. so today, for her 50th birthday she is snowmobiling. bad ass i tell you. she loves it. i wish i could be home to share this day with her. but as i told her this morning, it is a year of celebration and at least a month of full-on spoilage, so her breakfast in bed will come soon enough. ha. she deserves it after all she was done for our family and the lives of those who have had the honor and pleasure of meeting and getting to know her. (ah, i am cryin’ here…).

you see, ma is a servant at heart. she gives. she shares. she encourages. and she is ever present and consistent. one of the things i most appreciate from my childhood is that my ma was there. she was present physically and emotionally. she chose to be at home with her chillns. there was nothing sweeter to a wee lad than seeing my mama in the big blue suburban waiting to pick me up for the bus stop. or better yet, just herself and perhaps bodie at her side. my ma has always been there for my family and for me. every time i call. she answers. she listens and advises in a way that is really quite profound. she a gracious woman who without fail loves unconditionally and whole-heartedly. i am so blessed by her. and am so grateful to call her ma. here’s to you, MA! may your 50th year of life be the best one yet. may you continue to know how wide, how long, and how deep is the love of God. may the Lord bless you and keep you. may he make is face shine upon you and be gracious to you. now and forever. will all of my heart, i love and adore you. have a wonderful day!!! thinking of you and wishing i could be there to celebrate with you…