My mom is turning 58 on the 23rd and this would be my 2nd time I would be missing her birthday. We are very close, as in closer than real sisters or bestfriends. We just have this special relationship/bond that I could talk to her anything (as in anything, name it) anytime of the day. I really miss her and if there is one thing that would make me come back to my home country, that would be her requesting as to come back. But, of course she wouldn't do it as she has been very supportive of my and my family's endeavors ever since. We just need to sacrifice a little for now. Anyhow, I still do not have any gifts for her. I initially planned to get her 2 new pairs of eyeglasses because she wants some more even if she already has around 4 or 6? You see, she does not want to be bringing the same eyeglasses each time. She needs to have a glass in her bag, in the kitchen, in her working area, near the garden etc... etc... And while I saw some affordable but premium quality eyeglasses at Optical4Less.com, I think it is not advisable for me to order one for her because of the shipping costs to Asian countries. So I would probably just send her paypal money which she could use for her day at the spa or salon or to treat my dad for a dinner. With or without gift, I am sure she would not mind. I hope she'd have more birthdays to come and Happy Birthday again Mom. You look 30ish and not even 40!