Family-focused -- Mary Carol Kraus

Couple of complete beauties . . . 

Dear Mom,

Happy 40th birthday! I love you so much -- more than I can write or say in words. You’re over the hill -- now you can say that you are half-way dead! 😊You want to be cremated and have a bench gravestone, right?
Anyway, for your gift this year I think that this idea is very smart. I chose the adjective family-focused. I chose this adjective because I could use many other adjectives to describe it. Dad showed me the list of adjectives and I wrote a note for each one. You truly are funny, faith-filled, an easy laugher, quite a good dancer, and many more.
First of all, I want to talk about family-focused. You really make lots of sacrifices (big and small) for us each day. Attending our needs is your first priority. I know that sometimes things get a bit iffy, but all us kids know that doesn’t change the fact that you love us with your whole heart!

Faith-filled is another adjective that really has an impact on me. All those times when I doubt or feel scared, your prayers and the things you say make me feel better right away. My relationship with God is so close and without weekly mass and your support that wouldn’t be possible. You truly know your faith and are a strong believer. Thanks to you, I try to come closer to God, because your strong faith has an impact on me.

Jenny is the one on the left
(note that she is a bit shorter!)

You are very funny and easy to laugh with. Your sense of humor lightens up the mood in our family, so we all can have some fun. Part of what makes you so funny are your hilarious dance moves. The worm, I mean, all of my volleyball friends are like, “Yeah Mary Carol’s mom can do the worm!!!!” Isn’t that what everyone wants to be known for?!?! But really I love your dance moves and how you can make everyone around you laugh, even when it embarrasses me!
Emotional is another adjective on the list that really struck a bell for me. I mean who cries at a baptism of a baby they don’t even know (who cries at a baptism period)!!! You. Anyway, you are very emotional but that is just what makes you, you! Also you gave me the “gift” of being emotional so thanks for that.
But above all, you are the best mom I could ever ask for. I love you so much and I hope your day is very special!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Love,

Mary Carol

How was this nearly a decade ago???!!!