Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!

Today is my Omi's birthday! She is a beautiful 83 years old, and I'm convinced (I've always been convinced) that she has more energy and more natural motivation to create good than I do, or than almost anyone for that matter. My Omi is very special to me, and between her and my mother (her daughter), I feel like I'm blessed with great examples of selfless and inspiring women- not to mention women with spines made of steel. Often I get sad when I think about how rarely I stop what I'm doing to pick up the phone and call her, see what's up. She never fails to have a sweet card in the mail for any occasion, and I generally tend to only get around to the big ones, mostly Christmas and Valentines Day (what, I like glitter!). As I type this, I'm sitting next to a small box to be shipped to Omi with a tiny birthday treat and greeting in it, but of course I didn't get around to mailing it on time, so I'm looking at it on her birthday instead of her enjoying it (next stop: post office, apparently).

My Omi can design, sew, or fix anything. I am the proud owner of this fabulous black dress that she designed when she was in fashion school in Chicago in the 1940's. Oh it's so timeless I could die. She survived some of the most trying experiences as a young girl, and I think of those now as I whine about tiny little things going on in my rather cushy, opportune life. She still volunteers her time at a million different places each week in an effort to make her community a better place. She makes time for family and makes sure that family remembers to make time for family. She encourages us and comforts us and inspires us. She is also the best cook maybe ever, but I think that comes with the German background. She lent her ear to me when I was torn about where to go in life, what opportunities to follow, and the concerns I had about each option. She can also turn out a knit hat, scarf, or baby booties in world record time.

I would like to give my Omi a little hug today. Thank goodness that I can Skype her and send her my wishes and love. Though, in reality, she probably won't be there when I call because she'll be out being busier than I am here at my computer.

Happy Birthday, Omi <3

Ich liebe dich.

Me with Omi in July right before I left for Germany.