Happy Birthday, Marmie!

It all started with the 1994 movie version of Little Women. Marmee was loved. Marmee was cherished. Marmee was adored. All four March girls hung on to her every word and rushed to smother her in affection any time she came home from being far away. Marmee fought for her children when they had been disciplined too harshly at school. Marmee's girls never grew too old for her to cuddle, and she always offered the best advice at just the right times. "Marmee" became a symbol of unconditional love, a safe harbor, a source of wisdom. I so related to the feeling these girls had for their mother, that I soon adopted the name for you. And you have stayed "Marmie" ever since. Of course, I'd never seen it written so you ended up with a custom spelling job!
When you are not at the center of every happy childhood memory I own, it is because you were still there, in the background, helping that memory become what it is. I have watched you give when you didn't have much to begin with. I've seen you love when you could have used a lot more love yourself. And I've admired you as you held your head up high in circumstances where I would have crumbled. How proud I am to be called your daughter. I so, so love you, Marmie, and I wish you the very happiest birthday ever!