Sweet Birthday Kiss

Happy 80th Birthday, Mom!

As I kissed your forehead before heading to work this morning, I noticed a different taste on my lips - not the usual sweetness of honeydew or melons, but a mixture of salt and musk. Walking down the stairs, leaving your presence again, I couldn't help but reflect on how our relationship has evolved. Our interactions are no longer just about the honeyed sweetness of kisses; they now hold the essence of life-sustaining salt, sometimes even carrying a hint of musk.

You see, whether it's the tender touch of honey-sweetness or the more complex flavor of salt and musk, I've come to yearn and appreciate them both. I suppose this is love - a blend of honeysuckle's sweetness and the saltiness of musky kisses, all before sunrise.

On this special milestone of your 80th birthday, I want to remind you how much you mean to me. Your presence and the various flavors of our relationship have shaped who I am today. Happy birthday, Gladys P Martin. With all my love. #navigatingcourage