My Mom

My mom was a really good mom. As I get older, I realize it's the little things that matter. My mom was always there, and as a mom who always wants to be there for my kiddos, I appreciate that. I didn't have to come home to an empty house or spend hours away every afternoon, I got to come home and eat Lucky Charms for a snack. (Told you, it's the little things!) She came to my sporting events, drove me places, cooked lots of yummy food and treats....she did a lot for us. As a kid, you never appreciate those things. She also taught me how to cook, clean, iron, sew (wish I retained even a little bit of that!) She's still the best cook and has the cleanest house of anyone I know!

But most of all, my mom taught me how to love. How do I know? Because I LOVE my kids. Like not just "like having them around when they're quiet" kind of love, but LOVE them. And I don't believe that you just naturally love and do for and give to your kids without that being modeled for you. More than anything, at the end of my life, I want my kids to feel that they were well-loved....always. Not "my mom loved me when..." or "my mom loved me if...", but that no matter the day, no matter the behavior, no matter the difficulties or trials of life that struck from other sides, that they were loved with every inch of my heart each and every moment. Thank you, Mom, that I never had to question your love. It was just always there, just like you.

Love is a gift. It is a choice. It's an action. Love is commitment. Mom, your love was and still is all those things to me and now to my kiddos too. May we love you well in return.