HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM AND MY BROTHER!!!

Today is my mother's birthday so I wanted to take the time to wish her a beautiful day!!! She is the kindest, most generous, most loving person I know and I'm so grateful that God chose her to be my mother. I remember the days when I was growing up and she would drive me to the track EVERY day and sit in the stands and watch and wait for me to have my practice even if it took 2 or 3 hours. Then she would take me home and ensure that I did my homework and help me whenever I needed it. I didn't realize at the time how much of a sacrifice she had to make in order for me to become the athlete, the student, the woman that I am today.

On Saturday I drove up to Bakersfield and surprised her with flowers and my dad and I took her to dinner. I think she enjoyed it all but she really almost had a heart attack when she turned around and saw me just standing there in the middle of her bedroom!

She is funny and supportive and thoughtful and I hope and believe that I've not fallen far from the tree and I couldn't be more happy about that. Here's a picture of when she was in her thirties and I superimposed a current picture of me next to her. I think we look a lot alike!



Here's another picture of her. I think she was in her early 20s in this one.


Tomorrow, the 18th, is also my older brother, Dr. John Edwards' birthday, my only sibling. I couldn't be more proud of anyone. He's worked so hard and accomplished so much and I wish him nothing but success. He certainly deserves it.

Here's a picture of me and him at my Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Stanford last year.



So Happy Birthday to you both!!! I wish I could be with you respectively but know that my heart and my thoughts are with you. Your loving daughter and sister....