Happy Mother's Day!

It’s Mother’s Day!!  So, I thought it would be appropriate to say a few things about how awesome my mom is.  Here’s a small sampling from the innumerable examples I could provide of things she’s done right:

• When I was involved in sports throughout elementary, jr. high, and high school, my mom was at nearly every game and competition.  I could probably count on 1 hand the number of games/competitions that she missed from Kindergarten to senior year.  I knew that I had her support  and that she was interested in what I was doing.  I still remember many of my other friends confessing that they wished their mom/parents would come to every game…or even just ONE.  Being there and being involved… one of the many things she’s done right.  Thanks Mom!

She came to so many band competitions!   (I'm the girl on the left)

• Every year when it was time to go back to school, my mom would reiterate how much she was going to miss us.  She would tell us that she wished she could have us at home all the time.  She would express how boggled she was by those commercials with parents celebrating their “freedom” from the kids because she was NOT excited for us to be away all day.  … in adulthood, she has always expressed how much she misses us when we’re gone and continues to let us know how important we are to her.  Letting us know she enjoys us, making me feel important, making me feel valued… some more of the things she’s done right.  Thanks Mom!

• Mom has always told us that she loves us.  Before every night’s sleep growing up and before every goodbye, there it was “I love you.”  It was also scattered throughout the day… “did you know that I love you?”   or, especially when I had just been in trouble, it was,  “I will always love you.  No matter what.” --  When I was little, I’d always ask “even if I KILLED someone?!”  (you know, I’d think “what’s the worst thing I could do… well, what if I did that?”) And she’d reply, “Yes, I will always love you, no matter what, even if you killed someone.  I may not always like what you do, but I will ALWAYS love you.” --  The words have always been there, always reminding me of her love.  Making me confident that she loves me and demonstrating God’s unconditional love… another of the many things she’s done right.  Thanks Mom!

                                                      

• Mom is also a great supporter.   When I got cut from EVERYTHING I tried out for in junior high… I'm sorry, they don’t know what they’re missing, you’ll get it next time!  Did you know that Abraham Lincoln and Michael Jordan had a tough time before they were successful?  Just keep trying!  When I had no idea what I was going to major in during college… no big deal, you’ll figure it out.  When I decided to major in English and Spanish (not particularly the easiest majors for finding a job)… that's what you love, go for it!  When I decided to come to Spain… I’m going to miss you so much!  But that would be a great experience!  --- And there are really so many more examples I could give.  Supporting my decisions and trusting me to make them in the first place… another thing my mom’s done right.  Thanks Mom!        

•  I think my mom’s love language is acts of service (I'm referring to the book The Five Love Languages).  Why do I say this?  She always wants to lend a helping hand and she always wants to do stuff for her family.  For example, if you know me, you know that I'm not the most organized person… at all.  A bit messy, if you will.  Well, from time to time, I would come home from school, a day out, college, work, etc. to a spotless room, all nice and organized and cozy.  She just wanted to do it… just wanted to help me out.  She’ll clean, she’ll organize, she’ll babysit, she’ll house sit, she’ll dog sit, she’ll make a phone call, run an errand, bake a cake, bring you something you forgot at home, she’ll do whatever she can to help make your life easier.  Showing me over and over that she loves me through her actions… another thing my mom’s done right.  Thanks Mom!

Mom and me in Chicago.

I could go on and on and on and on… but I think you get the picture.  My mom is FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, AWESOME, MARVELOUS, STUPENDOUS, REMARKABLE, and AMAZING.  J  She has done so many things to show me love.  She is a one-of-a-kind mom and I can’t begin to express how grateful I am that she’s mine.

Mama, I love you!  I miss you!  And THANK YOU for being such a great mom!