Letter to You, Mom

Mom, I know I don't always express it, especially to you, but you are so amazing to me. Your strength and desire to survive from such an early age, your ability to build such a solid foundation for your children and always encourage and support us (even if that meant threatening to stop paying your daughter's college loans if said daughter followed through on her cockamamie plan to leave law school to move to Napa and work as a waitress - whew, so glad you put your foot down on that one!), is what has time and again inspired me throughout my life.

You simply are the strongest, most intelligent, protective, loving, kindest and funniest parent and friend I could have ever been blessed with. It is incredible to watch you with your grandchildren and I'm constantly grateful that you are able to spend so much time with Lauren and to see the bond you share.

It's so cliche, but true. I really didn't realize how lucky I was to have been given my parents until I became one myself. As obstinate and stubborn as I can be sometimes when it comes to your advice, I do listen and admit that more times than not, you are correct. Your opinion matters to me and I don't ever want to stop receiving it. I absolutely would not be the woman I am today if it were not for you. I can only hope to serve as a similar example to Lauren and that someday, she will feel as close to me as I do to you.

This outpouring tonight was prompted when I downloaded the photos we took this morning while wrestling on the floor with Lauren before I left for work. With your energy and spirit shining through in your expression, I felt compelled to share my thoughts with you (and those few others who may drop in . . . . .)