In honor of Mother’s Day on May 14, I decided to write a tribute to moms everywhere. There is only one mom, mommy or my son’s favorite name for me (that makes me cringe for some reason), momma. No matter what name you call the person that fills that role in your life or if you are a mom, Mother’s Day is the one day of the year where all you do should be noticed.
My mother passed away a little over two years ago at the age of 57 of an unexpected heart attack. It would be a lie to say it didn’t devastate me. It is this holiday that I dreaded that first year. My mom was one of my best friends. That happens when you get older. But now, I see Mother’s Day as a celebration of motherhood. I remember why my mom was so wonderful and I hope that I portray some of those same qualities to my children. So here is my tribute-why moms are so special and unique. (Guys, take note-you may want to use some of this in a card.)
Moms have a sixth sense
Moms are always there for you. Some girlfriends and I were talking a few nights ago, swapping pregnancy stories. Something mothers like to do. One of the things that we all mentioned was the presence of our own mothers. In several of our birth stories we mentioned how our mother made it in the nick of time for the birth or she was a constant help after the baby was born.
During the birth of my firstborn, I was admitted late one night with the plan to be induced the next morning. My mom lived eight hours away. I told her not to drive in the dark to just leave the next morning. My mom sensed I would need her and drove through the night. Thank God. The doctors had to go on and induce me overnight. Since my mom had not waited to leave she walked through the door right as I was needing the extra encouragement to push my son through.
Moms just have that sixth sense. They know when you need help. They know when you need encouragement. They know when you are in trouble. I can’t count the times my husband and I were in trouble financially because of stupid mistakes. I would never mention it to my mom, and then a check would arrive in the mail. I would call and ask what it was for and she would say, “I could tell by your voice you needed some." I remember breaking down in tears.
Moms are your best cheerleader
I can remember getting the most disgusting haircut in the world. I looked like one of those fluffy dogs. My mom just looked and said, “You are so beautiful." Only a mom can honestly say you are beautiful despite all your shortcomings.
I remember my mom staying up with me rehearsing for the senior musical. I couldn’t sing a note. She acted like she was outraged that I didn’t get the part.
We are our kids’ biggest cheerleaders. We know how one little, “Good Job," or “Awesome" can build their esteem ten levels. We can tell our son he is a great artist even though he didn’t stay in the lines on the Paint by number set or use the right colors.
Moms worry
Hey, if we didn’t worry-the kids would not know we cared, right? Moms worry about if their kids are brushing their teeth right, if kids are eating healthy, if they are getting enough sleep, etc. If moms didn’t worry-a lot of stuff would not be taken care of in the day-to-day world of the kids. Moms are the ones who worry about the kids being sick, if they have decent clothes for school (dads sometimes send kids not even matched, but that is a whole other article), are prepared for school etc. The worrying keeps moms on track to provide for the kids.
Moms are the glue in the family
Ok, lets face it. We wouldn’t have dinner every night if mom wasn’t there planning. I used to think this was a stretch since it is most times the man who brings home the money or leads the family. But it is the mom who is doing the day-to-day stuff that keeps the house running.
Case in point, I have been sick the last few days, My husband, being the caring, wonderful man he is, offered to do the dishes one night. I did the dishes today. I will not mention for those with weak stomachs what I poured down the drain. If it was up to my husband, the kids would bathe once a week. Moms do an endless amount of chores and tasks every day that often go unnoticed.
Moms put up with a lot
Which brings me to my last point. Moms put up with a lot during the day. They go nonstop from the moment they wake up to the moment they lay their head on the pillow. They work for the family. Moms want what is best despite the sometimes ungratefulness of their children and spouse.
I listened to a teenage girl the other day in the dressing room of a store berate her mom. The teenager had commented to her friend that the swimsuit she was trying on was too embarrassing. When the girl’s mom came in and saw the suit, she told her daughter it was too revealing and she would not buy it. The teenager, who had just told her friend she would never wear it in public, was irate at her mom. “How dare you tell me I can’t wear this," she said. “I’ll use my own money," etc. I sat there somewhat angry at the teenager and wanting to tell her off for her mom and somewhat embarrassed because it reminded me of the many dressing room arguments I had with my mom.
I don’t think there has been a day this week that my five-year-old has not talked back to me. But moms, we take it and we move on. Moms don’t hold grudges.
Moms continuously sacrifice for the family. I think it has been a year since my food was hot when I sat down to finally eat. Moms are protectors, guard dogs fighting the good fight for their child. The list of why moms are special is endless. I strongly encourage you to comment and leave your own memories or thoughts on why your mom was special.
Happy Mother’s Day!
