I have to admit, writing this post has proven to be a colossal challenge – and then some.
Its not that I don’t love my mother, but I ask you, are a few paltry words sufficient compensation for bestowing life to another human being? In my forty-two years on this plane of existence I’ve managed – sometimes against all odds – to have a great life.
- I have a job that has yielded much more than financial rewards; its given me an outlet for my creative energies.
- I have the best family any man could ask for. They bust my “you-know-whats” whenever they can, but they still rock.
- My friends include colleagues, bloggers and the same bunch of guys I’ve known since childhood. How many people can say that?
It appears to be fashionable these days to share some sort of childhood trauma with the world; I’ve lost track of the number of celebrities who claim to have suffered abuse at the hands of a loved one during their formative years.
I grew up surrounded by love. If I needed something, I got it. More importantly, if I wanted something, I got it. Now I’m a father and the circle has closed; its my turn to guide another human being along the right path using common sense, friendship, compassion and love as the compass.
To the world at large, you’re Karin. To me, you’ll always be “Mom”. And I love you.
Happy Birthday, Mom. And thanks.
What else is there to say?
So do me a favor, folks, and wish Mom a happy birthday, all right?
You've Been Hooked! 
Happy Birthday to Karin! It’s also my granddaughters’ 17th birthday. A good day all round.
Absolutely!
You’re a lucky man.. and Happy Birthday to your Mom
Thanks. We both appreciate it.
Happy Birthday Karin… sons really do grow up to be amazing people.. don’t they 🙂
We have lots of help…
The Hook,
You can tell your mom that Le Clown wishes her a happy birthday. Her day is now complete.
Le Clown
I hope so! Thanks, buddy.
Only a fool with a heart of stone would not be moved to wish your Mum happy birthday 🙂 snowy birthday greetings Karin xxx
“Snowy Birthday Greetings”? I love it! Thanks!
Hook, you made me awwww . Your mom sounds wonderful, hope she has a great birthday.
Happy Birthday, Karin!
You’re a kind soul, young lady. Thanks from both of us.
Have an especially fabulous birthday Karin! You did a great job raising a fine son like the Hook! 🙂
Karin thanks you. As do I, Susie!
I hope someday my child can say the same wonderful things about me. What a lovely tribute to your mom, Hook! May she have the best of birthdays surrounded by people who love her, namely you! Xxoo
Thanks, Emily.
Happy Birthday Mom! Well, I guess I’m part of the world, so Happy Birthday Karin. There you go, to birthday wishes. I really hope you have a great day.
Her day just improved a little more. Thanks.
Happy birthday from one mom to another. You did a magnificant job raising a super son, what else can a mom want? Birthday blessings and a special wish for many, many more happy, healthy birthdays.
Thanks – from mom to another! I’m speaking for Karin, of course!
You are the best!
I have to assume you’re talking to Mom – and you’re right!
Happy birthday Karin.
Thanks, J.D.
Happy birthday, Hook’s mom! What a dubious honor it must be to have brought the Hook into this world.
I hope she thinks so!
Lol.
Happy Birthday to your Mom! I love the way you describe being guided by a compass of love. What a beautiful post.
Thanks, Sandee.
Happy birthday mom Hook. I hope your spoiled rotten!
Thanks, Rebecca.
A Great Big Happy Birthday Karin. I agree with Rebecca, hope you’re spoiled rotten too.
Thanks, Bob!
Happy birthday Karin! All the way from Kuwait 🙂
Very cool! Thanks!
From what you’ve written of you and your relationship with your wife and daughter, it sounds like your mom did a great job raising you,and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her!
Thanks, my old friend. Mom appreciates it!
Happy birthday, Mother Hook!
Mother Hook thanks you!
Super Happy Birthday Mother Hook! You sound like a wonderful woman from a stupendous family!!
And I feel you Hook, I never know just how to convey to my parents my love and appreciation for all they’ve done for me in life!
Its tough, isn’t it?
The happiest of birthdays to you, Hook’s Mere. We owe a ton of gratitude to you for bringing him to us!
You’re a real sweetie, Leah. Thanks!
Happy Birthday to Hook’s mom!!! Happy birthday to Karin! Happy birthday to you! May your day be blessed with light and love!
What a beautiful sentiment. Thanks, Jackie!
you are so welcome! Hope her birthday was a great one!
I also grew up in a home filled with an abundance of love and many blessings. How ironic it is that in my paying job now as an adult, I am surrounded by the worst of the worst stories in our society. I am glad I can ‘sometimes” help, but I am even more grateful that it opens my eyes to how wonderful my own family of origin is and how blessed I am to have the knowledge and love to now do the same. So, happy birthday Karin…and a job well done!
J
Thanks, Jessica! You’re a fine mom in your own right and your kids will be better people for your efforts.
Happy Birthday Karin! What a nice tribute from your son. Inquring minds do want to know though – is his comedy part of the genetics? Ya’ know – nature or nurture?
Nancy
A little of both!
Happy birthday Karin !!!!!!!!!!!
And Hook – well done !!!!!!!!!
Karin thanks you. And you know how I feel about you, you crazy kid!
Thanks Hook. You have no idea I how much I needed to hear something like that right now.
Where would we be without mums?? Ok don’t answer that. From the bottom of the world, happy, sunny birthday wishes coming your way. 😀
We could use sunny wishes in these parts right about now. Thanks, Jennifer!
Many Happy returns Ma Hook!
Ma Hook thanks you!
Hope your mom had a very happy birthday!!
I hope so.
What a sweet post. I hope your mom had a wonderful birthday, and I think it is completely awesome that you are still friends with some of your childhood friends. … Happy belated Birthday, Karin!
Karin thanks you – belatedly!
Lovely tribute to your mom here. You done good. She must be so proud.
I sure hope so.
Happy Birthday Mom!
Hook, great post -( and she probably feels YOU are her beat present ever…moms are like that)
Oh, RC has announced those fireworks over the realm are in her honor.
Cool! Thanks!
I hope she had a great birthday! And what a wonderful son she has!
I can’t argue with that…
Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuude. I’m loving this post. Hope your mom had a great birthday. The fact that you are an awesome person with a great sense of humor says a lot about her as a parent. Great post 🙂
What can I say? I come from good stock, it’s true.
I consider also wish a happy birthday to your mom, she deserves it, also have a son so grateful and so beautiful person.
. Sorry going a little late, but I need time to get to everything.
A abazo The Hook
Better late than never!
And thank you.
I’m late to the party, but I want to wish your mom a happy bday! Very nice words Hook.
Very nice comment, my friend!
Happy Karin day! Hook, your mother and I share the same name (although a very slightly different spelling)….which already makes both of us cool by default. What a wonderful tribute! Parent blog posts I find are always the hardest. Nothing we say can ever be adequate.
Very true. Thank you for the kind words and sentiment.
Happy birthday to Karin!
Oh no! Look what I missed!
>It appears to be fashionable these days to share some sort of childhood trauma with the world;
– Fashionable – possibly. Therapeutic – more likely, me thinks.
>I’ve lost track of the number of celebrities who claim to have suffered abuse at the hands of a loved one during their formative years.
– I think this is a good thing because some people (and that’s a conservative estimate) think that celebs lead a glamourous lifestyle minus the grim realities everyone else experiences.
>I grew up surrounded by love.
– And good on you for remembering that even today.
> Now I’m a father and the circle has closed; its my turn to guide another human being along the right path using common sense, friendship, compassion and love as the compass.
– Not so quick, Hook. We, your readers, are locked within that circle, too. We benefit from your goodness as well. Hats off to your very first teacher(s)*! 🙂
*I mean your dad, too.
>So do me a favor, folks, and wish Mom a happy birthday, all right?
– Pssh. Since when have I responded to the crack of a whip? Oh, never. Yeah, you didn’t do it now, of course, but I’d wish your mum anyway.
Have a wonderful … year (since I’m several days late). You’ve done a darned fine job with your son, Hook’s Mom!
Kate
P.S.: Rushed here. I’ve just read through your other posts now, but can’t comment. 😦 Enjoyed them nonetheless.
I appreciate all the support and insight, Kate. Thanks for everything.
Happy Birthday Karin
Karin thanks you, as do I.
A heartfelt post, Hook. There’s really no return for what our parents, and our mothers in particular, do for us. I consider a mother’s love as a blessing for me. I’m sure all the people who read and commented feel the same.
I’m sure of that as well. Thanks for the visit.
You’re welcome. Been away for quite a while now.
A happy birthday to your Mom, Mr. Hook. So many people should love her for giving birth to you, and for raising a wonderful son, and who is now raising a wondeful family … spread the love.
The circle is complete.
I’m LATE!!!
ummmmm brrruummmm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOOKS MOM!!!!!!
Happy Belated Birthday Mrs. Hook. 🙂
Rob, mine has left the country to return to where her heart always resided,
It was her birthday at the end of last month so I left her a nice message and song on her Facebook profile.
You’re right, words do sometimes seem feeble in our attempts to show them how much we appreciate the love they have given to us.
Happy birthday, Mom!
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