Happy Mother's Day to My Mom

At birth, she was my provider.  From nourishment in the womb to safety as an infant, my mother provided for all of my needs.  She ensured that I was clean, fed, safe, and healthy.  From middle-of-the-night feedings to innumerable diaper changes to singing me to sleep, my mother was my caregiver and provider.

As a young girl, my mother was my teacher.  She taught me the difference between right and wrong, how to say "please" and "thank you" and countless other necessities like how to tie bows, scramble eggs, make a bed, and read and write. 

As I grew older, my mom became my mentor.  I watched as she greeted everyone with a smile and a kind word.  I observed her endless energy, kindness, and service to others.  It seemed that no matter where we went, everyone knew who she was and had a word to say to her.  She listened, laughed, and even cried with her friends, always offering support and encouragement.  I learned how to care for others, be nice to everyone I encountered, and what it meant to be a friend to others.

When I became a young adult, my mother became my friend.  She was always there for me, listened to all my teenage woes, and offered her love, support, time, and tears whenever they were needed.  She waited up for me after every single date and listened to endless stories, worries, and retellings of the innane happenings in my life.  She made me feel important.

Today, my mom is still my friend and now is my forever supporter.  She still tells me she loves and and that she's proud of me and, as always, is present for all the events and ceremonies in my life.  She has shown me a lifetime of love, commitment, encouragement, and support and I could never thank her enough. 

On this Mother's Day, I honor my mom, the one who has been there for me from the very start ... and who continues to be there for me to this day.  I love you, Mom.  Thank you for showing me each day how to be the kind of mom I want my kids to have. 

All My Love,
Traci