My mom is retiring this week, after working, stopping to raise us kids (and volunteering in our schools), and then going back to work for the last 25 years.

I remember before she was working again, right before I started kindergarten, when I’d wake up and she’d already be out in the yard. I’d find her and we’d have breakfast outside and then work on little craft projects. It was the same thing years later when I had summers off for high school and she had a weekday off: we’d get up and eat outside and then watch Martha Stewart Living (for the adult craft projects). I remember both times thinking, “This is a pretty good life”–so I’m delighted she can get that life again.

Mom, I hope you have breakfast outside every day this summer  and do lots of gardening and craft projects. You’ve earned it!