I have a really great mom and I don’t always show her just how much I love and appreciate all she does. I’ve never been the type of person to buy the sappy cards at the store, preferring the ones that are funny or weird, or pretty sparkly ones with flowers and butterflies. Kinda ironic that I’m a writer but I prefer the cards with the least amount of words.

When I was little, Mom took care of me and my sister, in between going to school and working. She helped us learn to do things around the house, washing dishes and cooking. She encouraged me to be creative and crafty, to read books, and to do what I love. And she signed my sister up for dance lessons when she was four years old, and Jess has been dancing ever since.  I believe that she has the ability to see a person’s potential, even from an early age. She continues to care for my two girls, going above and beyond what is expected of a grandma to make sure they turn out to be great kids.

She helps out her family and friends, and often strangers she’s just met. She goes out of her way to make people feel appreciated, to make them feel special. When she was younger she lived in lots of places, like Hawaii, California, Connecticut, and Missouri. Her life has led to so many different places, different jobs, different people. But she is still just my mom.

I find that I understand her more now that I have my own children. I have a teenager and a five year old, both crazy but so very much my kids. I’m glad that they have my mom to help them figure out who they are. They’re growing up with a lot of love. The same love that shaped me into the person I am today.

I can’t thank her enough for all that she does for me and my family. I love you mom. Happy Mother’s Day!