The Fireside Reader

If you haven’t guessed from the title, today would’ve been my mom’s 63rd birthday. A lot has happened since her birthday last year. If my mom was still with us, I would have called her, or took her out to lunch. She would’ve wanted to see her grandchildren today, and focus more on them than herself. We would’ve joked about how old she is getting, and about her using her senior discount. She would’ve reminded me to text or call my brother tomorrow to tell him happy birthday, and I would remind her that it’s hard to forget his birthday (since it comes right after hers). Then, the rest of the conversation would’ve shifted to what we are doing for Christmas in the next few days (perks of having a December birthday). This year, since I can’t call or visit her, so instead, I thought I would write a blog telling her about my year. 

Mom, 

We still live in Oklahoma City. My house is decorated with a few of your things, and seeing them everyday brings you to mind daily. Rosie (her dog) is still around. She might be 3 years old now, but she still acts like a puppy. Playing fetch is her favorite activity, and she loves to sleep with Addy at night.

Speaking of Addy, I’m still homeschooling. She is doing first grade work, and she’s getting better at reading every day. Her math skills come from her father. She is going to pass my knowledge before I know it, but that’s the goal isn’t it? Archer starts school next year, and he is excited to do what sissy does every day. He had his heart surgery this year, and now has more energy than ever. He’s the happiest little boy you will ever meet. I know you would be proud of them. You’re still a regular topic of conversation with both of them. Addy especially. 

I started a job at the YMCA right down the road from me. The pay isn’t to rave about, but I love my coworkers. My absolute favorite part of the job is when a member who comes in regularly stops to chat at the front desk. I feel like I’m making a small difference in someone’s life every time I go into work. I think you would’ve loved hearing about my new friends I’ve made there. 

One last thing, mom. I wanted to tell you that I finished the first draft of our manuscript today. I thought it would be a great birthday present. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a lot of work to do. It has several more rounds of editing, and there are more plot holes than there are pot holes in Oklahoma. Don’t worry, they will all be fixed, and patched up before we are ready to send it to publishing. Our story is beautiful, and seeing the 80,000 words on the page makes me tear up. I’m proud of both of us. I’m proud of you for pursuing your life long dream, and for me following through on our project.

I love you, mom. Happy heavenly birthday. 

Thank you all for supporting me. I’m excited to share my progress with you, and I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store. If you want to further support me, please think about subscribing to my website, and following my socials. Thanks again. I love you all. 

I do not own the rights to the picture above.