Happy Birthday Mom!

May 2, 1940. The miracle of childbirth. A baby girl is born to Leslie and Eileen Welker in Lamar, MO. Her name is Judith Elnora Welker, and she grew up to be my mom, my friend and my inspiration. I call this Blog "Classical Connections" because I love classical music. My dad was certainly a prime influence on me with respect to music, as I said in the very first post in 2014. But I have to give equal credit to my mom, for she too nurtured and shaped my musical journey and without her, music would not mean nearly as much to me as it does.
This little girl from Lamar grew up to be an extraordinary woman. She got married, worked to support my dad as he completed his academic studies, raised two children, made friends everywhere we lived...most of whom she still stays in touch with...became a great tennis player, runner, journalist, advertising executive, artist and musician....and I know I am leaving many other accomplishments out. This remarkable woman is turning 80 years old, and I know it blows her mind as much as mine, and everyone who knows her. She still walks, runs, rides her bike, works in the yard, delivers Meals on Wheels, and serves at Church, She still has a passion for learning new things, and helping others.
She is also a cancer survivor, a person of deep faith, a person who serves God, and worries more about others than herself. And she is a grandmother who has more love to give her family than the visible light of the Universe. Yes, she is that special, and I love her more than words can express. So to you mom, I say "Cheers", just as we say when we take our selfies at the Kansas City Symphony concerts we love to attend together. I look forward to the next decade and beyond of Friday morning coffee, symphony concerts, fun times with family and most of all, your boundless love, joy, and positive spirit. I love you.