Happy Mother's Day

My mom is amazing.

I know lots of people say that about their moms, but my mom is one of a kind. Seriously, she could hands-down beat your mom in a Best Mom contest any day, only, she wouldn't do that, cause she is way too nice. I have even had this verified by non-related persons, if you still don't believe me.

Growing up, my mom was my whole world. Sweet, understanding, gentle, caring, loving. She always had a smile on her face, and a hug to offer. I adored my mom when I was a kid. As I grew older, our relationship only got better. While my mom might disagree, I'm really not sure, I'd have to say that I don't think I ever went through that obnoxious teenage girl phase you often hear about. We stayed close, and I was never embarrassed of her. And even though I would sometimes roll my eyes at her advice to me through middle school and high school, I always took it to heart. She was never condescending, she just spoke from experience and I appreciated that. I looked up to her; I wanted to be just like her, and live my life as she had lived hers.

Obviously I have failed in many aspects. I fail every day. Anytime I lose my patience with my kids, or raise my voice, I feel crestfallen. I don't ever remember a time my mom yelled at us, or was too busy. I know there were times when we must have driven her crazy, but they must have also been very rare, since none are imprinted on my mind.

When I think of my mom, I think of someone who has endless patience; a trait I would pay money for if I could.

As I got older, went on to college and got into my twenties, our relationship effortlessly melded into one of true friendship. I can honestly say that for the last several years, my mom has been one of my best friends. I tell her almost everything, and I never tire of her company.

She has been a Godsend to me while Richard is away with the Navy. She sounds happy to talk to me every time I call her, (and during deployments and underways, I can sometimes call her several times a day). She's always willing to go for a walk with the boys and me, or out for a shopping trip to help take my mind off of missing Richard or being lonely. She's never too busy to lend a helping hand, babysit the boys so I can have 30 minutes to myself at the grocery store, or run up extra diapers if I suddenly run out. She is simply amazing and beautiful - not only on the outside, but her soul as well.

It wasn't until I was a teenager before I realized that not every one has a mom as wonderful as I do, and I can't tell you how many times I have thanked God for blessing me with such an amazing mother, of whom I am totally undeserving. She just radiates love and happiness. She's truly a lovely, genuine human being, and I am so very lucky I can claim her as mine.

While I feel most days that I fail to meet the standard she set for mothering, it doesn't mean that I ever stop trying, hopefully one day I can be the wife, mother and woman that she is.

I love you, mom, Happy Mother's Day.