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It’s all about Me!
Well, it's my birthday, after all.
I think it's interesting to know what goes into making humans.
Nature vs. Nurture. The nature of the nurture. Who knows. What I know is that I am truly the most incredibly blessed woman on the planet. I am liked by people I've never met in person, and loved by people who have known me all my life and still like me. How awesome is that!?
I very grateful for every birthday. I was born in 1963, which makes me the tail end of the baby boomers...and it means I'm 48 today, for those of you who want my expert help with the math.
I don't remember life before tv, but I remember getting our first remote-controlled color television. Prior to that, I was the remote. I was the youngest...by 11 years...so that duty fell to me and I took it pretty seriously. Especially on days the Dallas Cowboys played football.
Initially, my self-appointed purpose for being was to serve my four sisters, who were pretty much the coolest teenagers in the universe. It was a bit like having five mothers at times, but most of the time, it was like having an incredible abundance of adoration.
The Mathers women--Libby, Margaret, Sharon, Mimi and Barbara--at the 2011 Bucking Horse Sale
I never understood sibling rivalry, because I thought my sisters were a-mazing and I wanted to be just like them. And each of them made it pretty clear that I was the niftiest little sister ever. So, now I'm grown up and I still would like to be just like my sisters.
My parents were, in my estimation, the best. They loved each other completely and they loved each of us dearly. Since my mother died in 2001, My Father, Bill, has continued to fold each of us and our husbands and children up in the most affirming kind of love and devotion that has ever been modeled.
Charlotte and Bill Mathers
But even today, I know he loves Mother most. And that makes me feel like everything in the world is as it should be.
I have been blessed beyond measure with incredible friendships through my life. But two of them have lasted my whole life.
Neena, Mimi and Deena
These women know me better sometimes than I know myself. They correct me when I need correcting and they know what I'm trying to say whether I'm sharing it through sobs or hysterical laughter. They remember bits of my childhood I've long forgotten. They remember what my children were like before they got to be taller than us (for Neena, that happened quite awhile ago...just had to say it!). They love my husband, and they clean up my kitchen for me. Who could ask for more? I know they will still like me, even after I publish a photo of us in our "only to be seen at the cabin" moments...right!?
Speaking of those tall children of mine, they happen to be my favorite human beings. If they weren't mine, I'd still want to know them.
Patrick, me, Mary Charlotte, Will and Greg. Taken two years ago while Mary Charlotte was still a few inches shorter than me!
As a collection--they are all engaging, funny, respectful, smart, humble, loving and absolutely delightful traveling companions. Individually, they are priceless to me and to my view of what the world can be. I am so grateful to be a mother to each of them, and I can still heal a hurt moment with the memory of what it felt like to hold each of them in my arms.
The photo is a few years old, but it's perfect for today's post because Miles City, Montana, is in the background. And I can't complete a list of the things All About Mimi without mentioning that growing up there, on Merriam St. (that's right...Mimi Mathers Meredith of Merriam St. in Miles City, Montana!) was a very fine start to a life. I am grateful.
Did I save the best for last?
Maybe. Because, he picked me.
Me with my one true best friend, Greg
I think, sometimes, that we forget that our spouses made a conscious choice to commit to us...only us...for life. I actually picked him first, but that's a story for another day. I just know that nearly 27 years have tested us, refined us and left on my heart the impression of a soul mate I could not live without. He is the only person on the planet who has seen me at my absolute angriest (not pretty...I blame it on being Irish, but I'm not that Irish...sometimes I'm just a bitch!) and who knows why I like to make a little snake with my hand that surfs along beside me out the open car window. I know...that probably wasn't the range of emotional experiences you were expecting as an illustration of true love. But it is. Greg loves me for reasons that are not all that apparent to the rest of the world, and that's of huge significance to me.
So happy birthday to me. To all of you pictured, and not pictured, who have made me who I am. I love you all, and I love you each. And I always will.
So, here I am tonight, finally alone at the lake with time to read your blogs. This post is beautiful, precious sister of mine. And, every day I am so happy you were born to us....so, happy day your were born, every day. I am grateful for the little girl who stood beside me on the front seat of the car, with your little arm thrown over my shoulder as we drove in from the ranch. Thank you for trusting me and loving me! And, thank you for the light you bring into my life to this day. You lift me up, give me energy and hope and send me on my way with the confidence that a smile and a hug really does make all the difference. Each day I try to be like you. God blessed us abundantly 48 years ago. I am profoundly and forever thankful.
sharonsecor Well...you know I don't cry pretty. And this is made me cry really hard!!. See, world, how blessed I am? This is my sister Sharon. I wish you could all have one just like her. Then the world would be a place full of goodness.
sharonsecor I also have to point out (now that I'm not crying) how times have changed since a child could "stand" next to her sister who was driving the car. It was great! I remember listening to KOMA radio with my sisters and sharing their Tab sodas. Sharon was the one who introduced me to the concept of chasing the sunset. I still try to catch it. I just need a longer highway or a faster car.
MimiMeredith Or me at the wheel!!!
sharonsecor Deal! If you leave at 10 a.m. your time tomorrow, you should be here just in time to start the chase tomorrow evening.
Happy Birthday. Hope you really enjoy it and that you have spent it with those who love you best.
TheJackB Hello Jack! Thank you! I did spend it with two of those--my husband and daughter. It was a lovely day.
Wow, what a great post and great window into your family, friends and life. You truly are living the dream. You have all the riches you need.
48, huh? My wife is 49 now but this is her 'big' year. It is a few months off but it will be interesting to see how she handles and adapts to it. Chronologically, I'm a few years older than her but emotionally she thinks I act like our kids.
That's great on the 27 years w/ Greg; we celebrated our 28th this year. As you know, there will always be bumps, twists and turns but I am so glad we found a way to stay the course.
A big happy birthday to you (22nd, right?) and hope you celebrated in grand style.
Good to see you.
bdorman264 Thanks, Bill!! You are right, I do live the dream every day and try to be mindful of that blessing :). And, btw, I too tell Greg that he is often like my third son!
Happy Birthday friend!! For those 48 years, you have bloomed beautifully wherever you were planted!!( Just had to use that). In your honor I believe we will make grapenut icecream tonight and think of you and the times you were planted behind us on the section!! Enjoy the remainder of YOUR day!!
JulieK I can just imagine the sun casting a pink glow over the Sandhills and the cattle crossing the section. What picture-perfect memories were those! And I've never had homemade ice cream anywhere that compares to yours! Thanks my friend!!
Happy birthday to you Mimi:) And if I could get Shakespeare to write a sonnet and Billy Joel to sing to you live, I would. Looking forward to getting to know you, and to our continued connection. Best birthday wishes:) Lovely, lovely post. Cheers! Kaarina (P.S. Seeing your response below, and just as an aside...I'm a former Olympic coach, so I so get the same reaction on those vignettes)
KDillabough Oh my gosh! If I actually knew any of the athletes, I'd be a total mess! I'm so glad you dropped by! I, too, look forward to continued connection.
Well this a post that brought on the tears -- damn I am such a mush bucket. Lots of love to you today on your birthday. Enjoy it in your special place with the special people in your life.
AbbieF Oh Abbie, I do love you so! We must remember not to go to any happy or sad movies together without a box of tissue between us...nor can we watch those touching vignettes about the lives of Olympic athletes...or Hallmark specials...and definitely no Folger's commercials! Other than that, we will always look completely composed!
AbbieF and ginidietrich ...I'm kind of surprised neither of you has mentioned my aluminum foil tiara and stunning auburn wig. Let me know if you need similar princess attire. My mom taught me to whip up the perfect accessories in a heartbeat! I'm fairly certain my sister's prom dress might still be available, too!
You were the remote - LOL! Happy, happy birthday my dear friend!
ginidietrich There are some things in life for which I'm ideally suited. Thank you for stopping by Wonder Gini! I love you!
Happy Birthday Mimi!!! Lots of beautiful pictures and beautiful memories. It is a gorgeous day. Celebrate the day and may the year ahead brings you your desired success.
Btw, It is my 7th wedding anniversary :)
Happy Anniversary!! How fun to know we share this great date!
MimiMeredith
Thanks Mimi!!! Yes it was a good surprise to see that we share this amazing date. Hope you had a great day yesterday!
[...] chose this photo because it's not typical of the images I generally include when I talk about my life. But the few times I've gone skeet shooting, I've been good at it. And I need to summon the spirit [...]