Mom

Today my mom celebrated her 57th birthday. She's not the type that would care about me sharing that information. That's one of the things I love about her - she's real. What you see is what you get.

She's not out to impress, but she definitely leaves an impression. Her laugh endears her to everyone who hears it. She's beautiful and has a great sense of style. Her joyful, fun-loving spirit is infectious. Her strong sense of conviction and justice are unwavering. She lives and loves with extraordinary passion. She's as gentle as a lamb and as fierce as a lion. She's amazing, she's my mom...

Born on December 23rd, 1950 in Cuba, she had what most people would consider, a fairytale childhood. That is until the age of 12 when Communism tore it all away - her home, her family, her innocence. She was sent away to live here in the states where she endured ridicule, loneliness, poverty and abuse - things that would have caused a lesser person to loose their mind.

I didn't know these things about my mom until I became an adult. She never subjected us to her painful past because it didn't define her. It's not her story. It's only a small part of the story. Her story is still being written and it's a story about God's faithfulness. If you don't believe there is a God, my mom is living proof. Grace is her crowning glory. Hope is seen in her smile. Love is felt through her comforting embrace. People are drawn to her - well really they are drawn to Jesus, who is so alive in her.

It's appropriate that her birthday is around Christmas time, because my mom is a gift. She's a gift to those of us who are blessed to have her in our lives. I'm so glad that I was chosen to be her daughter and that my kids get to be her grandchildren. What a legacy she is passing down! I could go on forever because I honestly can't say enough about her, but I'll stop here for now. I love you mom...

~Yleana~

God had a purpose
On the day of her birth
A warrior I’m sending
To move heaven and earth

Evil tried to stop her
Through much heartache and pain
But all to God’s glory
Her strength it became

Now she gives of herself
To each soul in need
Sharing the love of Jesus
Through word and through deed

A woman of great substance
and adoration for her Lord
Someday with great honor
She’ll receive her reward

But today she is honored
By those she holds dear
For her light shines even brighter
With every passing year