The best gift you could give your mom would be the fact that she knows you are happy. 

Guess what?, she is around...she sees exactly what is going on in your life.  I am more than sure she is thrilled with the directions your life is taking.  I cannot imagine her not being proud of what you are or what you have accomplished.

And, from me...HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!

Your mother is smiling I am sure...

I know I've told you this in person, but happy birthday, man. It's tough having these things after losing a loved one, but hey, there are still a lot of people around who care, so hopefully there is some comfort in that.Also, nerf darts are very theraputic. ;-)

I wonder, if this year, you could pay tribute to your Mom by doing something she liked to do with you on your birthday. My Uncle Edmond used to be a big presence at holidays. He used to always start the whole family singing Turaluralura. With him now gone, we still sing it in his honor at family events and it is a great comfort to everyone involved and is a way to incorporate him in the day, even if it's only in a small way.