Ode to Mom

I was reading back through some old posts, and I realized that though I mention my dad a lot, I hardly ever talk about my mom. She has made just as much of an impreesion in my life, but while my dad chooses crazy antics and sound advice, my mom's support comes from strong hugs and whispered "I love you"s.

I remember standing in the kitchen while she taught me to make gravy (stir, stir, stir so the flour does not clump) and being there to wrap me in a warm towel after a bath. She would drop anything when I needed a hug and hold me untill it was all better. She still does. Even though I am far away, she is there when I call her, there to listen when parenting teenagers gets to be too much. She puts everything into perspective and tells me that my kids are wonderful people; that I am doing a good job, that I don't need to worry.

I have often thought about the mother-daughter relationship. For a long time, I was not sure how I fit in as a "step mother". When the girls came to live with us I was not sure how to make the transition from "week end mom" to "full time mom". Admitedly, I made mistakes. But, I only wanted what was best for them. I always had their best interest at heart. I had my own mom to serve as a role model when I was unsure. Now the girls are young women and though our relationships are not perfect, I love them. They are my girls, and I am proud of them. When they make mitakes, I will always be there with a hug.

I am also lucky to have a good relationship with my mother-in-law. Though we are still getting to know each other, she makes me feel like one heck of a lady for putting up with her son (it's my pleasure, believe me!). She helps me feel confidant that I am doing right by my kids and offers support when I am having a hard time. She spoils my children, and I appreciate all she has to offer as a mom and grandma. Here is a heartfelt thanks and I love you.

I made some bad choices as a young adult, I am sure it was hard for my mom to watch. Even though she did not agree, she was there no matter how bad I screwed up. She held my hand through the worst of it. Strong, silent support. When she watched her teenage daughter become a mother she was there, holding my hand. When I finally ending things with Jeremy, she was there. When I moved back home, she was there. When I learned the hard lessons that a young woman must learn, she was there. And, when Dave proposed she held my hand as her eyes filled with happy tears.

Mom, I would not be the woman, wife and mother I am today without you. I love you!