By Nancy Stoops

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

This week is my mom’s 90th birthday, and so I dedicate this one to my wonderful mom.

She is such an amazing woman.  No matter what life throws her way, she just keeps going.  She has lost both of her sons and her husband but she refuses to give up, and I admire her so.  She tries to enjoy each day and does it with a positive attitude.  I know it’s that attitude that has kept her alive.

Let me tell you about my mother’s heart.  She is so loving, kind, and is always giving to others.  She’ll always lend an ear to hear somebody else’s troubles and is just such a good human being.  She’s very generous with what she has and would never let anybody go without.  She’s continually helping her friends and her family.  She just wants the people she loves to have what they need and to be happy.

I’m very proud to have this wonderful woman as my mom.  She has taught me many valuable lessons and has always been there for me.  As a little girl, she told me I could fly, and I believed her.  She taught me there are no limits for what I can become and what I can do in this world.  She always praised me so that I would grow into a confident woman, and it worked.

So, Mom, I thank you for believing in me and teaching me to believe in myself.  It was those lessons I know have enabled me to become a successful human being. It was your words that made me never give up and settle.  I want you to know I wouldn’t be who I am without all of your love, guidance, encouragement, support, and all of the faith you have always had in me.  I want you to know that it is an honor to be your daughter, and that every year you are here with me is a gift!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients. Nancy is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services, feel free to contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727; or you may e-mail her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books, Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.