A Special Birthday Tribute
Hmmm…have you ever had the experience of searching for that one special birthday or greeting card - and to your disappointment couldn't find the right one? I have…and I did, last week. I scoured through 
three huge card shops and thousands of cards, but found only one Happy 100th Birthday card.
I couldn't believe it! And that one looked 100 years old, and generic. Disappointed I stepped back and thought, why?
Then it hit me - not a great number of people have the privilege of reaching the 100 year milestone in life. I instantly was filled with joy because our Brooks family is one of the few that have that honor of seeing our mother, Julie Brooks, celebrate her 100th birthday on November 16th.
As a family, due to Midwest weather in late November, we held a family reunion in July and celebrated an early party for her, while many were in the area and could attend.
Now, on November 16th, she will celebrate her real birthday. Some weeks back, while we were home in Sisseton, I was visiting with her at the assisted living. Mom was exceptionally sharp that day and had a good memory, sense of humor and looked great. I sat there in her rocking chair across from her and kind of got lost in a special moment filled with admiration and thanksgiving to God of how blessed I am to be 71 years old and…still have my mother. Evidently she saw me in the "no zone" staring at her and she pipes up, "I'll bet you're just sitting there thinking, 'Boy is she old!'" I burst out in laughter, "Mom, you are". She chuckled, "I guess I am." Then I confessed, that I got sidetracked admiring her and shared with her my heart and 
thanked her of how blessed I have been to have her guide me, pray with me, giggle with me, encourage me, and let me cry as she comforted me, since I was a little girl on her lap. Memories flooded my mind of her kneeling by my bed every night, all through those growing up years, reading the Bible together, instructing me in the way of the Lord.
I know without a doubt that Mom, living her life of faith, hope and pushing me on when I felt I couldn't go on another mile, she would always firmly command, "Missy (my nickname), God has called you and Larry into ministry and there are so many people out there that need to hear the Gospel message. YOU'LL MAKE IT! Take care of yourself so you can fulfill the calling that God has given to you and Larry." With that, I'd be up and gone and going again.
I'm sharing all of this to tell you that I wouldn't be in ministry today if it wasn't for her prayers, unconditional love and guidance. I am blessed. Our family is blessed. All 132, plus more babies on the way!
So many of you have told me that you feel like you know her, or you do know her, and said you would like to meet her and thank her for her part in my life. If you would like to thank her for being the wind beneath my wings, here is her address:
Julie Brooks
308 Hillview Road
Edgewood Assisted Living
Sisseton, SD 57262
Or, you can send an email to me and I'll pass it on: larry57262@aol.com
Truly, because of Mom and her impact in my life…I am in ministry. So this thanksgiving, I am thankful for many things, but I am especially thankful for my mother. Have a great month!
Gloria