It wasn’t until I was a mother that I really began to appreciate my mom to the degree I do now.  I didn’t feel that she was there for me as a teenager (which I’ve learned is very common) and in my early adult years I saw more of our differences than anything.  For instance, she’s soft-spoken and often passive-aggressive.  I’m out-spoken and… well, just plain aggressive.

I could not understand some of her decisions, such as staying with and loving my dad despite his less-than-shining moments–and I mean, they were really bad (don’t worry I’ll sing his praises for Father’s Day)– or taking her friend “T” back after she betrayed her so many times– or choosing to stay at her job teaching children with special needs when it took so much out of her and the school administration treated her so poorly.  Well, that’s just the kind of woman she is… A true example of unconditional love, patience, loyalty, and forgiveness.

I remember how my mother was my BIGGEST  and most consistent supporter throughout my matriculation through undergrad, grad school, and law school.  She cried with me when I called off a previous engagement just before the wedding and said she wished she could take the pain away.  She encouraged me to take the biggest step of my life and move to Texas (from NC) where I knew no one and had no money, in order to pursue my dreams.   She told me daily that I could and would do it.  She taught me how big her faith was and how I had to have faith in myself.  She even put her money where her mouth was and deposited money regularly into my account to show that she supported my endeavors.  She also seemed very certain that I would meet a wonderful young man, which I did, even though I was the perpetual skeptic.

When I passed the bar, no one was more excited than she.  She had to pull over on the side of the road to avoid wrecking her car because she could not contain her emotions when I told her the good news.  She sang my praises to her friends and posted the news in the local newspaper.  She was proud.  I felt loved.  That’s my mother.

Now, that I’m a mother, all those differences between us seem so minuscule.  I understand how tough decisions have to be made, especially when they involve more than just yourself.  I understand the sacrifice of dreams and the transference of them on your offspring. I understand a mother’s love is irreplaceable, unconditional, forgiving, and something to be celebrated.

So, here’s to my mom!  She is a cancer-survivor….  She is a retired special education school teacher….  She is indebted to no one…. She has been married to the same man for nearly thirty-five years…  She has two adorable children … She is a God-fearing woman of ethics and principles… She is a role model… and she is my mom.

I love you, Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day, MOM!… and to all the rest of the mothers out there!

If your mother is deceased, I know this may be a difficult time for you.  Take a moment to reflect on the fondest memories you have of her and I’m sure you will feel her loving presence close by.