On Monday, August 18, Sharon Elrod Wallace turns 80.
I’ve written tributes and reminiscences before, so to commemorate this milestone, I’d like to share my special birthday wishes. (By posting it to New South Essays I know you’ll see it because you are usually the first person to read my weekly posts each Saturday.)
Mom, on your 80th birthday, here are my wishes for you:
The knowledge of how much you mean to those you are closest to. You have never been one to draw attention to yourself or demand recognition for your efforts on behalf of others. Putting up with all of us, including Dad, all these years required patience and perseverance. You took care of Maw Maw, worked a job, served in the church and kept us boys clothed and fed. We appreciate all you did for us and still do for us. It’s a lot, and we can’t say “Thank you” enough.
Connection to the ones you love. It is important to you to stay connected to the people you care about most: your sister, your boys, your grandkids. Social media provides a little of that, but I wish we could all gather around you on this big day and entertain you with our witticisms, even if it means you have to suffer through a terrible rendition of “Happy Birthday.” But short of that, I hope you are able to connect with your family and friends in a meaningful way that will warm your heart.
Freedom from anxiety over the challenges you and your loved ones face. I know we are always on your mind and in your prayers. Maybe for just one day you can think of us all doing well and not be worried about what we’re facing in our lives. We’re happy when you’re happy, so don’t worry about us today. We’ll be all right.
New revelations on your faith journey acquired from a lifetime of faithfulness. You’re never too old to learn, and your commitment to following Christ and serving his church has never wavered. May you continue to have epiphanies and acquire wisdom from a deepening relationship with the Lord.
Grace to accept limitations and let go of what is no longer possible. Growing old is hard. Growing old with grace is even harder. I spent way too much time injuring myself between 40 and 50 before I finally embraced walking as my fitness activity of choice. You have probably already learned this, but I hope you remember it when new limitations surface and you have to let go of some parts of your life you have enjoyed. I for one need you to model how to do this so I have an example to follow as I age.
Determination to keep moving forward even as movement becomes increasingly hard. You are strong willed, and your quiet determination is evident in so many ways. Getting your steps in each day reflects that indomitable spirit, and that will keep you going for many more years. At 80, “the race is not to the swift.” You win by simply staying in motion. You have run a good race, but I believe you have more steps to travel. I hope you can keep moving, even if you need a good stick to steady you.
Joy from recalling memories and happy times still ahead to anticipate. At this particular milestone you may feel that there’s more of life behind you than ahead. Rather than letting that get you down, I hope the good memories will be a source of joy as you face whatever is to come. I want you to have happy times you can eagerly anticipate, so that the past and future sustain you. Having something to look forward to makes a world of difference in how we experience life. I wish for you a long and full life.
Happy 80th birthday, Mom. Above all, I wish you a heart full of love.
New South Essays 
Birthday Blessings!