(Note, stage directions are italicized. Do not read these as part of the speech)
Hi Mom, *waves somewhat awkwardly*
Sorry I couldn't be there on your birthday.
I know you think birthdays aren't a huge deal, but I think they are. Birthdays are special. Especially the birthdays of special people; because sometimes we forget to show those special people how much we appreciate them, and birthdays are a good time to remind them.
So I thought now is a good a time as any to tell you just a few of things that I appreciate about you.
I appreciate the little stuff, like doing our laundry and making meals that I enjoy. (Gosh, I really miss your cooking by the way.)
I appreciate your goofy singing that fills the house with joy. We make fun of you for it, but some of us cough* cough* –aka all of us, inheriated the goofy gene. So who are we to talk?
I appreciate how pretty you are. I really don't know how you do it, with all the ups and downs and all the craziness. I remember one particular time when life wasn't so good for us. I was 16 and I came by to your work and despite the late night we had the night before, and despite the fact that I knew you weren't doing great, you still looked so beautiful. Maybe that is why your smile is so wonderful to me. Because I know that that smile isn't always inspired by joy, but by strength! It is a smile that defies the odds!
I appreciate that smile so much!
I appreciate all the little ways that you show us that you love us, none of which is any less profound: from something as simple and practicle as discovering new socks in your laundry basket, or receiving texts from you when I'm far away.
I appreciate that when I'm anxious, you make things okay again. Because if mom says its okay, then it usually is. You are a comfort that no trial can lessen.
I appreciate all the sacrifices you make for us; all the enegry you spend on us; all the things you invest into us; and all the many ways that you love us.
Thinking back to my childhood, my messy teenage years, and now my early adult years, I see a legion of I-love-yous in so many different forms. My life is rich with them.
Sometimes I wish I'd appreciated them more back then (like when loving me was harder than it should have been). But, even though it makes me sad sometimes that I didn't appreciate you as much as I should have, it also makes my heart glow with joy. Because no one makes anyone feel as loved as moms do. No one else can say I love you so many times a day and in so many different ways.
How blessed me and the boys are to have a mom who never tries of loving us, and, furthermore, never stops showing us how much she loves us.
I love you mom, and we all appreciate you so much.
*Everyone goes in for a group hug, showering mom with love*