August the 3rd is a pretty important day for me for 2 BIG reasons:

1. It is my mom’s birthday! (Picture is a bit outdated.  Recognize that toothless little girl holding her toes?)

2. It is my youngest daughter Sarah’s birthday! 

I can’t express enough just how much I love these two ladies (who are linked to the very day by a half-century and the same DNA!).  I can’t begin to show my appreciation for all the joy they have both added to my life in different ways.  What I can do is spotlight why they are so specially loved and show what makes them so unique.  So, here’s a little pop quiz.  The answer to these questions will be either a.) my mom (Kathy), b.) my daughter ("Saree") or c.) both of the above.

1. Her smile is one of her greatest and most endearing physical traits.
2. Although known to be a bit mischievous, she wins you over with her charm.
3. She is known and loved by many because she is quite the social butterfly.
4. She once dropped a plate of candied yams (sweet potatoes) all over the dining room floor to the shock and dismay of her entirely unsympathetic family.
5. She is very loving and empathetic to those who are hurting or in need.
6. She is an early riser; ready to start a new day.
7. She is good with her imagination and has been known to take on various alter-egos (freshus, a spy, etc.) and personalities.
8. Her status as the "younger sister" never seemed to effect her confidence or willingness to keep up with her older sister(s).
9. The idea of riding an elephant would not appeal to her.
10. With grace, she puts up with a lot of "guff" from her often misguided father/son.
11. Over the years, she has been known to enjoy "dressing up" in costumes on occasion.
12. She is a sucker for a good romance story.
13. Loves Jesus and hearing about the things he did and does in the world.
14. She is a real go-getter in whatever she takes on.
15. She is a giver.  The world is the glad recipient of the gift she gives to it daily–herself and so much more!

So, are you ready for the answers?

They were all C, except for number 4 which was actually, A., my mom!

(That was the Thanksgiving, the Johnson family refers to as the Day of Great Sadness.  We weren’t sad that my mom nearly gave herself 3rd degree burns on a hot plate.  We were sad that the yams were splattered across the floor and not on our plates.  We’re a real classy family.)

#2 My mom may dispute that she is mischievous, but I think she is subtlety full of mischief!  Any corroborators out there?

#7 Sarah hasn’t developed imaginary alter-ego’s like my mom, but I think her imagination is good enough it will just take some time. 

#11 My mom was amazing in designing various costumes for us growing up (e.g. the year I and a good friend dressed up like nuns.)  I know she still wears them because she went to a 50’s party this year!

12# Sarah already loves the Disney cartoon-formula where the prince and princess "get married" at the end.  Her eyes light up when they kiss.  It’s pretty cute.

* * * * * *

Mom,
Your self-sacrificial way of showing love is such an inspiration to me.  You have done so much for me in my life; I don’t have words to begin to express my gratitude.  You "prayed" me back into the kingdom and that has such eternal implications…now and in the future.  I just hope that I can continue that tradition of Christ-like parenting with my own little "wonders".  Hope your birthday brings many happy memories and joyful thoughts.

Saree,
This month alone has been so boring without you!  Looking forward to seeing your big smiles and hearing your giggles again every day.  Your passion for life (at 3!) stokes mine.  Happy birthday, big girl. You’ll be back in Daddy’s arms again soon.