Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom.

During the sermon at church this morning, our pastor was talking about mothers. At one point he mentioned how hard it is for some people to deal with this day. They may have already lost their mother or have a difficult relationship with her. I thanked God that my mom is still with me and that we have a wonderful relationship.

I believe we are the typical example of the mother/daughter relationship. Close when I was young, disagreed on everything while I was a teenager, and now we are close again. I not only consider her my mom, but my mentor and friend.

I distinctly remember some of our arguments back in my high school days. I could not figure out why she was not as concerned when I was heartbroken over a break-up. Did she not know that I was going to marry that particular boy and now my life was over? And why would she not allow me to wear make-up in junior high? It was pretty fortunate for her that I decided not to wear it when I was actually allowed to make the decision. And really, why could I not participate in every possible sport/activity my school had to offer me? I only caught pneumonia once from being too busy my freshmen year.

And then there was the whole discussion of college. I had my mind made up to attend a certain college with my camp friends. We had the perfect plan of living in a house together that I am sure we could have easily afforded and fixed ourselves. So what if the college did not offer my major? I had my friends. Okay, so apart from my best friend (who actually ended up attending a different college as well) I have no idea what those girls are up to now-we were meant to be in each other's lives forever.

Thankfully I had a mom (and dad) who cared about me enough to argue through the big decisions. She could have let me do whatever I wanted, dated whoever I thought was good enough and go wherever I wanted to go. But, I was blessed with one of the good ones. One of the ones who fought me on every little thing, but also defended me every time.

And now I find myself using her words when talking to my children. I swore I never would become my mother, but when I think about it, it would not be such a bad thing.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.

(Does this make up for the fact that I forgot to send a card?)