My Mama

In honor of Mother's Day, I thought it fitting to showcase my Mom and some of my fondest memories of her. I consider myself very lucky to call her my Mom. She has taught me how to be a strong, successful woman but at the same time, how to laugh at myself (usually because she was the one laughing at me). So without any further ado, and in no particular order, I present a few snapshots in words of my Mom:

1. Opening night of the fall musical my freshman year of high school. I, showcasing my inherent grace, fell on stage - front and center. All I can hear as I quickly get up is my Mom laughing.

2. Numerous dance recitals and dance competitions over the years where she would sit in the stands and work until I came out on stage and she would watch with undivided attention until my dance was over. Or how we would quietly mock the other Mom's and kids as the Mom's held out tights for their 13 year olds to step into.

3. The way we fought because of that guy I thought I was in love with freshman year who was a few too many years my senior.

4. The day I got my license she let me drive off to my BFFs house. When I called home to let her know I was leaving but would be a few minutes late, she grounded me from the car for a week. (Still the only parenting decision she made that I vehemently disagree with).

5. The two of us getting me into my dress and ready to leave for pictures on my wedding day. Neither one of us cried until my very sentimental cousin entered the room and started crying.

6. 5th grade and I have a book report the next day. I had procrastinated and it needed to be typed. So I would write a page and then run it downstairs to her to type up while I wrote another.

7. My first job (a cashier at Cub) required me to ride a bike to work but oftentimes my shift would end way too late to be biking home. Mom would drop a car off and ride the bike home.

8. Saturday after Saturday for 2 years Mom and I would meet at WW and support each other through the loss of many, many pounds.

9. The musical my junior year required my Mom to make me a costume in one night. She did it (and by the way, I remember all of the grumbling and annoyance that accompanied it) and I was able to wear it the next day for pictures (none of which I was in).

10. Fun runs growing up (I always hated them) and my first, and only, 5K on last years Mother's Day. She was thrilled. I still hate running.

The dance recitals/competitions, choir concerts, musicals, church performances, and various other things that a kid drags a mother to are what make up my memories of my Mom. She always put me first and made my stuff feel important. I hope I can do the same to my little.

Love you Mom. Happy Mother's Day!