Happy Mother's Day Mom

"Thank you for doing all the hard work so that now I can."  Those are words I heard, on of all things, a Hallmark commercial floating around Facebook.  Out of all the other little tidbits people were sharing about moms, that was the one that stuck out to me.  I don't know if I'm doing the hard work yet.  I feel like I am.  But maybe I have no idea.  What I do know is how hard my mom worked when my brothers and I were young.  I now understand the sometimes long stretches of lonely days and evenings parenting young kids by yourself.  I understand the sacrificed jobs and last bites of meals; clean houses and new clothes.  I get it now when she says,"Just let me know when and where you need me to be."   Those words used to bother me.  Those words that made me feel like I was taking advantage of her.  Now that I've spent a few years as more a stay at home mom than anything else, I understand those words.  It's what I'm living right now.  I arrange and rearrange and miss out on some of my own things by choice.  I want to be there for my kids for whatever it is they need.   I guess that as long as you're a mom that doesn't change.  So thanks, Mom, for always being there for me.  With words and advice when I need them.   For continuing to drive carpool long after you've paid your dues; for waking up early for soccer games; for being at all the dance recitals; for allowing me to continue a career that I love; for being my shopping buddy and fellow lover of Disney World;  for your decorating advice and listening ear.   Without you (and dad) none of those things would be possible or as fun.  Thank you for doing the hard work so that I now I can.  We love you to the moon and back again.   Happy Mother's Day.

One of my favorite places to be with my mom..