Happy Birthday!

Thanx Be To Mom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY with much love from George and Cathy.

Mom, you deserve to have the best, most peaceful, and joyous birthday ever. I would like to send you this Thank You note from the heart:

I have fond memories of the gifts you gave us throughout the years. You were great at teaching us about alternative ways of thinking. Among many other things, I’m glad you exposed us to the arts, to different religious beliefs and spiritual views, to the concept of equality and unity among our fellow beings, and by example, instilled in us the powerful lesson that those who use their creativity and resourcefulness will thrive.
How lucky we are to have you for our mom. I am especially grateful to you for sacrificing so much to keep the Bancroft house. I always carry that restorative environment with me….the beautiful eucalyptus trees, the creek, the hills in which I could walk for hours… all are part of me, and are where I retreat when I’m stressed even now.

I am grateful for the healthy way you nourished us. We were so lucky to have nothing but good, wholesome food served to us. Even though I didn’t appreciate it at the time, you "walked the talk", incorporating what you’d learned from your biochemist father. I think it’s awesome that you let us have our candy once a week (as a treat while we watched the Disney show every Sunday night), thereby ensuring we’d not become total sugar junkies like we wanted to be.

I loved the fact that you let us have so many pets. Not every mom would let their daughter have white rats and a painted turtle, besides all the cats and dogs that were living with us. You were so generous in caring for those animals. I’m sure it’s due to your influence that I plan on being another Doris Day when I’m old(er) and gray(er), with a houseful of critters to keep me company.

I must say, one of the most meaningful things you did for me was getting me braces for my teeth. I will always be indebted to you for making that sacrifice. I can’t even imagine how awful it would be to still have that horrid overbite! Thank you, thank you.

I also have to let you know how much I appreciate your taking the time to read to us when we were kids. Not only did we lucky three get read to every night, we got to experience the joy of reading aloud while you made costumes in our glitter and sequin-covered family room. Such a treat! I love to read aloud to this day, and encourage my grandchildren to do the same.

These are just a few of the many, many gifts you’ve given us. We received a marvelous education from you that not many kids can claim. As I age, my appreciation grows for the wonderful job you did, Mom, and whenever I get the chance, I let folks know about it. I feel blessed that I can call you "me Mum". Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
April 28, 2007

More birthday wishes from:

Jami ~ Becky ~ Zabett ~ Alice ~ Don Heim ~ Teresa Craddock ~ John Gourley