Nine years ago I added a little background check online (here on my website, to be precise) about a woman who played a somewhat important role in my life. My mom.

And when I say “background check online,” it’s just a figure of speech.

Because of course, I’d never do a background check, on my mom, online or anywhere else. C’mon, I am not a monster. I’m a man. (Did anybody see an elephant pass by just now)

Anyway. Here’s what I wrote that bears repeating today. Because yesterday was her birthday.

Seventy-seven years ago, today, a lady was born who could only wait until her teens to usher me into the world. She was born on the north side of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. And she met the guy who would become my Dad in the town of Norman only about fifteen or sixteen years later.

They were both Oklahoma natives. But once they met, their time in Oklahoma would be interrupted. Because my Dad signed up for a term in the Air Force. And he was soon stationed at Lowry Air Force base in the Denver, Colorado area.

And wouldn’t you know it, that’s where I began my quest for the Rocky Mountain way a few months later. But I digress. Because this isn’t about me. It’s my knuckle-headed way of saying “Happy Birthday Mom!”. My sister, Lori, just sent me a picture of Mom, at her desk, taken today. Yep, she has to work on her birthday. She helps another one of her sons, Bob, schedule appointments for his electric business. But they’re all taking her out to dinner tonight.

(at this point I shared a picture, but not this time)

So, through the power and magic of the internet, now the whole world knows who my Mom is. I’m sure there’ll be some parades and closures in Washington D.C. and other state capitols. But, for now, all is as it should be. A quiet, lucky double 7 birthday. She said someone told her a person’s gold birthday is when the birthdate is the same as the age. So she said she had her gold birthday when she was only 7. And now this must be her “gold dust birthday.”

Now, you know where I get my awesome sense of humor.

Anyway…this has been my humble little digital birthday card for Doris…who many know as Dorsie…but to whom my siblings and I say…

“Happy Birthday Mom!”

Six years and one month after I shared all that, Mom went to Heaven. So, this is her 4th birthday far away from all the pain and suffering she experienced for 83 years on Earth.

I can’t call her up and tell her in “real time.” But I’ll still say it, “Happy Birthday, Mom!” We’ll see each other again faster than we can imagine.

Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and love.

Stay tuned…