Maaammaaaaa oooo ooo eeee (To be sung)

You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back.  ~William D. Tammeus

I firmly believe that being a parent is the toughest job one will ever do in their life. I also believe that mine was the MVP (most valuable player) of motherhood. I love the quote above because it is a simple example of the endless support and love a parent has for their child. Whether we have a child of our own, babysat a niece or nephew, or ever been to the park we have seen this image. The kid goes down the slide 362 times that afternoon and everytime it is like the first, and must make sure mom is watching before the sliding ensues. Why is that? We all crave attention from our 'number one fan'. We need to feel like they are celebrating with us during the fun, but could help us if we slip off course or skin our knee. The main thing is, when everyone else is unavailable or has turned a blind eye, we know our moms will be there in a heartbeat come hell or high water.  We can always count on mom! Why do mom's still wave back after the 100th time their name was called? I think it's because when a mom gives birth to a child, her heart now lives in that child. A good mom will wave back despite her annoyance because she knows how good her child feels when she does. It's these selfless acts that make a mom rock as a parent!

*** To all the Dad's, you are wonderful too, and there will be a post for you!...but today is mom's day :)

Mom, thank you for everything you have done the last 27 years. Of course there were times when I didn't like my mom so much. These times were usually when I was grounded or yelled at, couldn't stay out late with friends, or didn't clean the stove right after dinner. Hahaha That is a running joke in the family... Truth is, noone can clean it like mom does- she's magic...or has tiger blood!  I understand now that mom's do their best at the time and they are always looking out for our well being.

There are two things that stand out to me about my mom and what makes her so amazing:

1. She parented the individual
Many times siblings are very different than eachother, and in our household this was very true. I am forever thankful that I was parented as an individual. I had a good bit of freedom as a teenager and young adult. Freedom meaning, my parents gave me a lot of autonomy to make my own decisions. This was very important because my personality is such that I don't do well with strict rules and being told I can't do something if I see every reason why I should be able to. Whether that is right or wrong, it is what it is. I was involved in many activities and sports in school, and my parents let me take it all on because they knew it made me feel alive to be part of groups, sports, and  leadership activities. When I came home from a 2 hour basketball practice and ate dinner with the family and then said I was going to the gym to lift weights or take a kickboxing class they let me. They never hassled me by telling me I was overdoing it, or asking me if my homework was done, etc. They knew their child and they trusted that I was responsible enough to get everything done and that I would know what was too much for me. I am grateful for this mom, as it allowed me to grow into the person I was meant to become!

2. She is my unwavering biggest fan
 There is NO DOUBT in my mind, that my mom is my biggest fan (along with my Dad). I say that because she is very vocal about it! When I played basketball she was always cheering loudly and if she felt I was being fouled under the basket she would let the ref's know about it :) Most importantly, she is soooo supportive. There has never been a time when I've called or texted and she said she was too busy. She has never been unsupportive of a decision I have made in my life, nor has uttered the words 'I told you so'. She always gives me advice and support when I need it. When I need her physically to be somewhere, she never hesitates to hop on a plane. The same is true for my other two siblings. Like I mentioned before, if ever alone in the world...no friends or lover, I know she will always be there.....and happy to do so. As a child it is such a good feeling to know how much joy she gets from hanging with her children, talking to them on the phone and having them all home for the holidays :) Thanks for the endless support and advice Mom.

.....And it is all because of the love a mother has for her child. I can definitely feel the love.

Love is patient,
Love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13

This is a beautiful quote for many ocassions but makes me think of a mother's love.

Thanks Mom and have a great day, wish I was there to help celebrate! My sister is already following in my mom's footsteps as a great mother and I hope to do the same :)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!