Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day. A day that stands out from childhood as a chance to make creative cards for Mom, make breakfast, wrap a gift or two, and have a nice meal. The day came and went and repeated each year.

As I grew into adulthood, I thought I realized how much my Mom really did for myself and my siblings and I put more thought into the cards, gifts, etc. Mother's Day had more meaning, because I appreciated what having a caring mother really meant and how lucky I was to have a great Mom.

When I became a mother for the first time, Mother's Day meant even more. I realized how much sacrifice went into being a mother. Motherhood meant literal, physical pain and putting your child's needs ahead of your own at all times. It meant sleepless nights, constant worry, being a nurse, cook, maid, confidante, enforcer and so much more. It also meant that I appreciated my mother's own sacrifices on a deeper level.

Today, Mother's Day was difficult; far more difficult than I expected. It was a reminder of the mother I can no longer give a card to, the one I cannot send flowers to, buy the perfect gift for or call up and chat with. The mother I can no longer give a hug to and tell her how much I love and appreciate her.

If she were here today I would tell her one thing. Well, sort of one thing. I would say thank you.

Thank you for teaching me kindness.

Thank you for teaching me to dig deep when I felt like giving up.

Thank you for showing me how to love unconditionally.

Thanks for being honest with me at all times, even when the truth was difficult to hear.

Thank you for putting your children before everything else in your life.

Thank you for teaching me that my inner beauty was far more important than what was on the outside.

Thanks for going to every activity I was ever in, ever, no matter how trivial.

Thank you for teaching me to sing and dance.

Thank you for teaching me to be modest.

Thanks for teaching me that nothing should ever get in the way of what you know is right.

Thank you for being passionate about what you love.

Thank you for teaching me good manners.

Thanks for teaching me that just because something was difficult didn't mean it wasn't worth fighting for.

Thank you for teaching me that I am a daughter of God.

Thank you for passing on your love of travel and adventure to me.

Thank you for having me, even against doctor's wishes.

Thanks for telling me that my birthmark was a kiss from God so I didn't feel so self conscious about it.

Thanks for being the best mother I could have ever asked for.

Thank you for fighting to stay alive for so many years, enduring so many illnesses and pain just to have more time with us and our children.

Thank you for being you.

Thank you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day!