(For Mother's Day we went to church, and then to one of my favorite places to eat, TacoLus. Afterwards, we went to one of the boys favorite places. Adventure Landing. There's nothing I want more for Mother's Day than to be with my boys, my family. It's my happy place.)
A mom. A mother. What is she? She is not just a woman. She's more than that. She's a lover. A giver. A provider. A supplier. A supporter. A cheerleader. A hard worker. She's selfless. The list goes on.
My mom devoted many (hard) days to my life; to me (and for me) so that I thrived and survived. We were not rich. I had a pillow. I had a bed. I had a home. I had shoes. I had toys. I had the necessities. But more importantly, I had love. A love that far outweighs things. Things were exciting and new, but eventually aged and faded. But, love leaves an impression on the heart. Love is everlasting. It never fades. It never gets old. Love is what makes us who we are.
Every little girl dreams of their prince. They want to be longed for and wanted. They want to build a home and a family. They desire babies. Well, most little girls do. It's the way our little minds work. It's this fairy tale that we see and believe after watching princess movies. The thought of having our own children, nurturing them and being needed... It's this picture we paint in our minds that we so desperately want.
And then, years later we finally bring this dream, this desire, to life. It's reality. And it's beautiful, rewarding and wonderful, but let's get real. It's exhausting. It's challenging. It's hard.
My mom started young. She had five kids by the age of 21. She was a single mom, but somehow we always had what we needed. She was enough. I have 2, started later and have a helpful spouse and STILL haven't figured out this whole parenting thing. I still ask her, "how in the world did you do it?" I find myself complaining about silly small things, but I'm reminded of my mom. Who am I to complain? She had FIVE. There are some days I am thrilled to see Grant get home from work because I've missed him. Some days I get even more excited because I just need a break. To start dinner, or sit (especially on days the boys don't nap). She didn't get a break. Ever. Her job wasn't over after she clocked out. She was full-time, all the time. For five little people, who each needed her; and no extra hands to help.
My life is good. I can't complain about anything. God has been so good to me, and I have a wonderful little family. But, my mom has taught me more than she thinks she has. I have come to appreciate life more; to appreciate what I have and to be thankful, even on tougher days. My mom has taught me strength. If she did it with five, I CAN do it with two.
She taught me that I don't have to have the best of things to still be happy. She had very little, but gave so much. Life was good, and it's because of her. She was and still is enough. She's my mother. Today, I celebrate her. I celebrate who she is and what she has taught me.
Love is what we needed. Love is what she gave, and I appreciate and love that woman more than she will ever know. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are my mom. And, I love you. Happy Mother's Day!
No comments:
Post a Comment