Tribute to Mom on her 65th Birthday

My mom is beautiful, she really is. Everyone who sees her says so, but I know it best. Those of us who are here today know, deep inside is where her true beauty does rest.

She is extremely dedicated to family, her patients and friends. She has genuine concern for each one, but this is still not where her beauty ends.

She tries so hard to do the right thing, give support and help with everyone's needs. How did she learn to be so giving? Could it be from all these books she reads???

No- that can't be the answer. It is such a part of her being. She has a drive to help others, my entire life I've been seeing.

She's always desired for her kids to be well rounded-so off to ballet classes and Hebrew school.The constant trips to ride our horses. How did we have time to enjoy our swimming pool?

For her only son, luckily she loves sports. Together they cheered the Trojans, fans of USC. She developed a special bond with us each, truly supportive and loving as can be.

She's worked hard as a Physical Therapist. She still found time for folk dancing. She's kept so busy her entire life. In fact, the only thing she doesn't do- is sing.

She's equally involved as a Grandma. Although most people describe her as quiet and shy, She's busy listening to her grandkids, so she can to hear what to run out and buy.

I remember as a young child watching as mom lit the candles on Shabbos night. Her parents taught her to be proud as a Jew and always strive to do what is right.

For the past seven years or so, we've lit the Shabbos candles together. And it's meant so much to my family that she joins us for Shabbos-no matter the weather.

In Hebrew, her name Esther means "Hidden" so her TRUE beauty we may not know. Yet we can see so much goodness, a great deal of it must show!

Coming up soon is the holiday of Purim. We learn in the Megillah of a beautiful girl. The King of Shushan wished to marry her. For her beauty was like a Gem or a pearl.

She didn't want to be the Queen. A simple Jew was more her style. But as the story unfolds, she learns her destiny In just a short while.

Esther then puts her life on the line. It is only she who can save the Jews. She fasts and prays for three days straight. Then to the King -she brings the real news.

Now we all know that HaShem (G-D) Is the only true King, And it is through him that we receive all blessing.

But each of makes choices in life and we all have a Megillah (story) of our own. To be truly giving, loving and connect with G_D, Is what my mom, Esther has shown!

Each persons life is a link in a chain. Each link is connected and adds merit to the other. So as I look at my children, I thank G-D that YOU are my mother!

It is my blessing to you, mom-that just as you have constantly given me so much in life, HaShem should bless you with much more life. And he should have the same Compassion and unconditional love for you, that you have shown to your four Children and (soon) nine grandchildren. I have great appreciation and gratitude to you for having always supported me and wanted to share everything with me. I know that your generosity and kindness as well as your commitment to prayer, keeping Shabbos and learning Torah will continue to be a merit for you and to all of our family!