At some point, every child is asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Most will answer with something like a doctor, ballerina or a superhero. For me, my answer was a lawyer. However, through this crazy thing called life, I have learned that I should have just answered "I want to be my mother." She is better than any superhero I know.
Realistically, if I grow up to be half the woman my mother is, I would be more than content. There are not sufficient enough words to describe what she has taught me through her example and love. She has become my mentor, cheerleader and best friend all in one.
After a week of stress, my mom is a strong believer in the phrase, "treat yourself." She has taught me that a mani/pedi and some good coffee can make almost any situation better. She is also always there during my various emotional breakdowns, no matter how silly the issue may be. The words "come sit on my lap" are still just as effective now as they were when I was a seven year old. Through the heartbreaks, bad grades and bruises my mother has been the strongest hand to hold onto.
Because of my best friend, I am learning how to be a selfless person. Somehow she has perfected it. I have watched her give up hours of sleep, tending to others and still managing to be a nice human being the next morning. I always knew that with forgotten school lunches or a needed change of clothes my mother was always just a text away. She has a talent of fitting in extra errands for my siblings and me whenever we would ask. She has also adopted her children's friends as her own, treating everyone to lunches or fun days out. It has gotten to the point where they call her "mom" and feel beyond comfortable hanging out with her even when my brothers or I are not present. This is one of the most important characteristics I hope to embody when I become a mother someday.
A high bar has been set by my mom when I think about a future career for myself. She has done it all, it seems. She has also assured me to always follow my dreams, not settling for something that I do not fully enjoy. On top of her job, she always goes the extra mile for our family as well. Her "work" is never truly over but she juggles it with such grace. One of my favorite sayings about them says, "a mother is someone who does the work of twenty. for free." I do not think there is a better way to describe their work ethics.
I am forever thankful for the woman who tells me when my outfits do not match, listens to my endless rants and has my back no matter the situation.
Ultimately, I will never fully understand how my mom (or any other mother) does it all because at times it seems impossible. One thing that can never be questioned in this life is the love a mother has for her child. That sentence makes my heart happy. Occasionally in the whirlwind of things we forget to appreciate our mothers. Make sure to give her an extra hug today and let her know how much you appreciate everything she does.
I love you momma.
