Mother's Day. A day where the internet is filled with posts of those proclaiming that they have the best mother. It is heart warming knowing that so many people are as supported and filled with love about the woman who brought them into this world. This year, my first Mother's Day, I thought the most important gift I could give to my mother is an open letter to highlight just how perfect she truly is.
Today is her day, one day that is set aside to celebrate her, because every other day of the year she puts everyone else's needs first. (Literally, everyone) Prime example, is the numerous questions and concerns I have had every day of this pregnancy. She has selflessly sacrificed and cared for my brother and I in ways that leave me speechless as I prepare myself for motherhood.
For those that weren't around for my upbringing, you should know that this woman deserves a trophy and then some. I was a handful. We argued like cats and dogs when I was a teenager. Little did I know then, she wanted what was best for me, and had been there (even though she told me a million times) and had done it before. I remember thinking, "I'll never be like her". But boy do I hear her come out of my mouth a lot these days! Ha. I'm pretty thankful for it.
My parents divorced when I was 3 years old. It has always just been my mom and I (Hunter too, I guess lol). It created a bond between us that I know only a few people have and I wouldn't trade it for anything, even through the tears and heartbreak that came with it. We have been to hell and back and we survived, TOGETHER. I've watched her go through hard times, and she always came out stronger on the other side, all while instilling those strengths in me.
From a young age she taught us about Jesus, how to speak to others, and how to love SPOONFULS of peanut butter. Never forgetting that she was a Mom (and a Dad), coming home from a LONG day at work to help with homework, cook us dinner, and listen to our nonsense. She was and is my greatest TEACHER.
Casey and I had just been talking maybe a month and a half before he asked me to be his date for his first Marine Corps Ball. Backstory, we had A LOT of mutual friends, but had never actually met. At the time I was working at Disney World in Florida and he lived in North Carolina. He offered to fly me up for the event. For those that know the story know I wasn't extremely interested in him at the time and didn't want to miss too many days of work as well. I called my mom for her advice, thinking she would say a BIG NO WAY! First words out of her mouth, "Heck yeah, if anything else you'll get a fun night and free dinner." HAHAHA. She is absurdly supportive. My number one cheerleader, and always encouraging me to "GO!" Later, when she found out I would marry that Marine and he would take me away from home, she told us how excited she was for our adventures. Inside, she was probably upset, but she never let that show. She again, supported us and encouraged me to, GO!
She went without MANY times so we could have it all. Looking back at my childhood, it was a picturesque life. That's because my mom was strong. She didn't let things affect us. She went without the meal, the clothes, the trips, and the things she wanted so Hunter and I could play travel ball, have presents under the tree on Christmas morning, have vehicles when we were 16, and go to college and GRADUATE DEBT-FREE, just to name a few. (As if just one of those things isn't enough).
You were there for every milestone in my life and pushed me towards my goals and dreams as if they were your own. You encouraged me when I felt like giving up, and were the best ear to vent to on days when I needed it the most. You reminded me of my worth at every turn, to find my path and go for it, but also to never settle for less than I deserve. Mom, the truth is, even though I am about to be a mother myself, I still need you. I will always need you. When I don't know why Finn is crying, when I need to know if something is "normal" or not, when I need to tell you about my "save of the day", and when I to share the good and the bad, I still need you. The best feeling is knowing you're always there. Always on my side. I have no idea how you made it all look so easy but I hope to be at least half the mother you were to us. Thank you for not letting us see that it was hard, but rather focusing on enjoying us. For making us a priority, and for being there for EVERY thing. You have always been doing, acting, and living a life that does not sit down and expect things to happen but makes them realities. Thank you for filling our lives with so much fun, joy, laughter, love, and SOME AMAZING music. Thank you for teaching me how to cook (mainly spaghetti, because we all know it's a specialty). I hope to instill in Finn the strength you have always instilled in us growing up. Thank you for still holding my hand, even though I am now the one that will need to a hold a little hand. I learned from the best. You have given me everything that I have ever needed and wanted, but most of all a love that is unconditional. You are my best friend. You are the reason I am who I am.
I love you. Happy Mother's Day.