Happy Birthday Kristin

Today is my daughter, Kristin's birthday.  I call her my "middle" daughter.  Mary is older and the twins are younger, which makes her the middle.  Kristin is quite a remarkable woman.  From the time she was in 4th grade, she wanted to be a veterinarian.  And she worked tirelessly to that end.  She graduated valedictorian of her high school class.  She graduated from college summa cum laude, and was accepted to veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania with her first application.  And she graduated from Penn magna cum laude.

I hated it when she went away to vet school.  All my girls had commuted to college while they lived at home.  And leaving her in Philadelphia, which was on the other side of the state, was very traumatic for me.  Had she just said, "Mom, I can't do this.  Please take me home." I would not have hesitated.  And although she didn't want to stay, she never let on.

She has been my sidekick at craft shows in the past.  We have sat together in the living room and talked for hours.  We talked on the phone every day when she was in Philadelphia.  And still, we talk nearly every day.  I love watching her children, it means I also get to see her nearly every day.  And she fell in love with a man who is everything she never wanted.  And it works for them.  They have a love that most people only hope for and dream of.  And when they married, she got a ready made family.  It wasn't easy, but Kris has made it work.  This photo is of George, Kris, Izzy and two of her four step kids.  And now she also has Jake.  I marvel at how she balances everything.  She works tons of hours each week.  Both Izzy and Jake are in swimming classes.  She works out on a regular basis.  And with George's help, she maintains a wonderful home for her family.  I admire her so.  Happy Birthday, Kris.  I love you so.

I've always felt that my kids were the greatest things that I had done in my life.  Who needs riches and jewels when you have the great kids that I have.