It starts the second we are born. Our dads see our bright, beautiful eyes and our soft delicate lips; feel our tiny, strong fingers lock around their thumbs; and they’re hooked. They vow from that day on that they will do anything for their little girl, and we take full advantage of that. As a major Daddy’s Girl myself, I know the deal. We go to Dad when we have a problem, we go to Dad when we have a question, we go to Dad when we’re sad, or mad, or happy. He’s always there to listen, brush the dirt off, and set us right on our way again, stronger and smarter than before. But with all the time we spend with Dad, where does Mom come in?
Mom is the glue that holds it all together. She is what makes us whole. She loves in a way only she can. She looks at her daughter and she sees herself. She looks at her daughter and she sees love and hope and joy and goodness. And we look at her and we see our future, and if we’re lucky enough, we smile at that future. I look at my Mom and wonder how she does it. How every day she goes to work and deals with a classroom of 25 crazy kids and then comes homes and continues to deal with two more. I wonder how she deals with my dad, my brother, and me, especially when it seems we’re constantly ganging up on her. I wonder how she knows just what I need before I even ask her. And I hope that when I am a mother I can make it look as easy as she does.
We Daddy’s Girls seem to have no problem thanking our fathers and telling them how much they’re appreciated, but I’m embarrassed to admit that sometimes we neglect Mom. It’s like we just expect her to do all she does because she’s that awesome at it. But even if we don’t mention it, we notice.
I know my mom hates driving at night, but she does it to pick my brother and me up from practice anyway. I know my mom hates using her cellphone, but she sends me bitmojis every day anyway because she knows they make me laugh. I know my mom hates half the restaurants I like, but she comes and eats there anyway. I know my mom has a thousand better things to do, but I come home to a clean room every school break thanks to her anyway. I know my mom wishes I didn’t go to a college 500 miles away, but she let me go anyway. I know I don’t thank my mom nearly enough for all she does, but she continues to do it anyway.
So even though it seems like Dad’s always the fun one or the one saving us from a life disaster, Mom is there too. Not only does she do things for you Dad never could, but she’s also the one behind Dad, supporting him, telling him how to deal with you, but letting him get all the glory. Because that’s what moms do -- they literally give up themselves for their children. Every aspect of their being becomes devoted to their kids. They’re the unsung heroes, the “(wo)men behind the curtain.” They are what keep the family going. My mom’s the one who stops my brother and me from killing each other over the TV remote. She’s my buffer when I make mistakes and I’m too scared to tell my dad; she calms him down and helps us all regain perspective. She tells me things about myself I don’t even know. She’s my protector when life gets tough. She may call me her “Angel Girl,” but she’s got it all mixed up. She’s my angel, my role model, my hero, and my forever friend. So thank you, Mom, for every second of your devotion these past 19 years. I love you.
