Today, I want to celebrate a truly remarkable woman—my mom, who turns 71 today. Her life has been filled with challenges, and yet, she’s always faced them with strength and resilience that leave me in awe.
Back in 1991, after Latvia regained its independence, things were really tough. Work was hard to come by, and money was even scarcer. But my mom did whatever it took to take care of me and my brother.She worked three jobs to make ends meet, sleeping only a few hours a night. I can’t even imagine how exhausting that must have been, but she never gave up. My dad was an alcoholic and she divorced him when I was 10. Thanks God!
Then, life threw her another curveball—cancer. But just like everything else, she faced it head-on and beat it. I’m amazed at how strong she is, both physically and mentally. She never gives up. That strength, that determination, is something I admire so deeply in her.
Mom’s never been one to talk much about feelings, and she struggles to understand how, with my good life—a loving husband, a house in progress, and a good job—I could have mental health struggles. She had far less than I do, and yet, she powered through. I guess it’s a difference in how we experience and cope with life’s challenges, but I know she means well, and I love her for it.
Even now, at 71, she’s still incredibly fit, walking every day no matter the weather—rain, snow, it doesn’t matter! She’s out there. She even enjoys skiing, and it’s amazing that she has fewer health issues at her age than I do! She’s unstoppable, truly.
So here’s to my hardworking, strong, and inspiring mom on her 71st birthday! You’ve shown me what it means to be resilient, and I’m endlessly proud to be your daughter. Happy birthday, Mom! 💖
Love you mom,
Ilze
P.S. She doesn’t understand English 🙂 and she don’t like to be photographed..
2017:
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
Your words have made her birthday even better. So glad you have a great relationship with her and that your kids have the chance to make memories with her. I can see where you get your strenght from. I had the same issues, older gnerations don’t accept mental health problems and they sure don’t want to talk about them. It was very hard for my Grandparents. Beautifully written.
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Thank you! I wish for a deeper connection, but it never happened. Never opened up about any of what happened in her life. She lost her dad when was only 12, for her mom she was never good enough, her husband was an alcoholic, etc…
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That’s her personality and possibly a way of coping that has become a habit for her. You love her for who she is and hopefully the love will continue to grow. 🙂
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Ilze, I already admire and respect your mother! Such a strong and determined woman, she is amazing! Happy Birthday! My mother strongly objected to having her photo taken. 🤭❤️
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Thank you, she is amazing! How are you?
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She is! Thanks for asking, Ilze, I am feeling fine, I had a great bike ride today and am just finishing up making my first pot of very low sodium chicken soup. So far it’s yummy! You have to get very creative with the spices…
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Low sodium, that is good! Low salt also 🙂 Some say low fat as well, but I don’t agree with that.
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I made the soup, it is truly dull tasting so I am experimenting with salt-free spices.
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Spices might be the answer 🙂
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My BP is so sensitive that I can’t eat the soup, Ilze. I am working on getting a doctor’s referral to see a specialist in Endocrinology. It is very difficult to live with this from day to day.
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Are you saying that even if you cook the soup from scratch, it still isn’t good for your BP? I cook all my soups without broth base or canned store-bought canned s*!@
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Right. There is still a bit of sodium in it which is still too much and triggers the BP increase. I hope the Endocrinologist I will see soon can get to the bottom of this nonsense. This is making my life very difficult, Ilze. It’s a battle every day!
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Maybe you could try going “cold turkey” to figure out which foods work for you. Sometimes simple changes make a big difference—like sticking to basics such as vegetables. It might be hard, but at least you are the only one in the house, and no need to cook for someone else or see how others eat the food you can’t!
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One solution I use is to buy the small bags of frozen, mixed veggies that you put in the microwave for a few minutes, bingo! So good, good for you and zero salt! I just cooked up some cubed chicken breasts on the stove using zero-salt spices, it was delicious!
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Sounds good! I would cook veggies on the pan I have no microwave (don’t ask! 😀 ). Isn’t it too watery when cooked in the microwave?
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No, not watery but just right! They taste great and just season to taste. Yum! Some folks don’t like to use a microwave which is fine of course.
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I want one but has no place in the kitchen… never had a place and somehow we survived… but I bet if used to it, can’t imagine life without 🙂
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I use my 700 watt microwave oven daily.
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A fine tribute
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Thank you, Derrick! I’ve been swamped with everything lately. By the time evening rolls around, I’m too exhausted to even open my computer after spending all day in front of it for work.
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I’m sure
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