For my Mom’s 80th birthday, me and my siblings and our spouses took Mom and Dad out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. We gave her a “Love Note” book. A week or two before, I asked everyone one in our family to write a “Love Note” to our Mom and Grandma, telling her that we love her, and that we admire her, and that we are so thankful for her. One of my Mom’s love language’s is affirmations. So I thought, “Let’s make a book of “Love Notes” from all of us who love her, and she can read them any time she feels the need.” 
My Mom is reading the “Love Note” from my Dad. The book turned about pretty cute. And I think my Mom loved it. She also got other gifts and we laughed and had a great time! I asked her if she feels 80. She said, “No!” What a blessing to have healthy parents. 
There she is with Dad watching her blow out the candle on her treat. It was one of those trick candles that doesn’t go out. Funny! I love my parents so much, and feel so blessed to have them. This is my “Love Note” to my Mom:
My Dearest, and most sweet, and wonderful Mama,
On the day I was born, I met my “first” best friend. In fact it is because of you I learned how to be a friend. From that day on you have been there, always supportive, always listening, teaching and consoling. Always showing me how to live by example, and at the same time, trusting in my abilities and allowing me to be me, and most important, always loving me.
Your example has taught me to love and serve Heavenly Father, to choose happiness even when I feel sad, to not let others actions keep me down, to be responsible for my own life, to think about how others feel and love them, and how to not judge, but to look for the good in everyone.
I know that you love our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ and believe in the Holy Ghost. You live the gospel. I have watched you give countless hours in sharing your knowledge of the gospel and of family history. You have spent the time it takes to know, and then share your knowledge with others. That is amazing to me. Some people learn and never share. You are a gifted teacher, and continue to share with others what you have learned. You are amazing to me.
The years of service you have given our family are a testimony of your devotion. You have kept us a close knit family by providing a well-balanced meal for years on Sunday. When Brett and I were a young married couple, it was the best meal we had all week. And now our family still sees more of each other than most families, by spending time together often. We are all very strong personalities, but we love and respect each other, because you have taught us to love and respect each other.
You love our children and Natasha, and have told them how important they are to you. They always feel so important after getting hugs and kisses from you, and having you whisper in their ear how much you love them. You are a wonderful Gramma, and Gramma-Great.
As I have become a mom and a grandma, I have become even more aware of the sacrifices and time involved in loving and caring for a family. It makes me more in awe of all you have accomplished in your life, while raising a family, and I am so thankful for your example and all you have taught me. Thank you for the many times I called with questions and received just the right answer to what I needed to know. Your knowledge is a blessing to me.
I am so thankful that Heavenly Father blessed me to come to live at your home. He knew that you are what I need to help me make it through this life. You and dad are both wonderful and such a great example of a loving married couple, and I thank you for that. I am so blessed to have you Mom, for 50 + years. Thank you for being the wonderful person you are!
I know you will have the happiest birthday ever, because you will always be the most “super“ Mom.
I love you, my Mama, my “best” friend.