Hitting the Baby Jackpot

Happy Birthday, Mom

Source: Etta’s Etceteras, February 2026

During the 13 years that she drove me to and from school, Mom was never late picking me up. Not once.

I saw other kids waiting for their mothers (this was the 70s, so it was always moms), but there was mine parked on a quiet side street beside my elementary school. Usually, she was reading a book.

She also was never late dropping me off for school or extracurriculars like band practice.

I always tell folks that I hit the baby jackpot with my parents. If I’d placed an order for “wonderful parents,” I couldn’t have dreamed up a mom and dad better than mine.

Fortunate is an understatement.

Today would have been Mom’s 82nd birthday.

Here are two photos of her and Dad, plus a pic of the flower bed I know she’d recognize.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mom. I love you.