My Mom...My Friend

I remember a cross stitch piece that hangs in my parents house. It says,

"Always my daughter, now too, my friend".

My nana (mom's mom) made it for her. When I was little I looked at it and tried to figure out exactly what it meant.

I now understand...only I would switch it around and say,

"Always my mother, now too my friend".
My mom is the greatest! We talk an average of 2 - 3 times a day (we do not live near each other - thank goodness for cell phones and free long distance!).
She is such a good friend. I know I can tell her anything...while she can sometimes be quick with an answer, I know that she wants to help and make things better for me. I value her opinion, and I appreicate her openess. She is very real in what she says and how she lives her Christian faith.

One of the things I love the most about my mom is her love for the Lord! When talking about a problem to me or anyone, she is quick to say, "Let's pray about it."

I love that she enjoys hearing me talk about my kids almost as much as I like talking about them...seeing as how they are her grandkids and all! :)

Now that I am a mom too, I have so much more appreciation for her!

I understand things like I never understood before.

Things like...

• why it is such a big deal if you have a cookie 10 minutes before supper
• "there are kids starving in Africa..."
• loving someone so much it almost hurts
• being willing to do just about anything to see your kids smile
• why my mom put us before herself and her needs SO many times
• how you can be up in the middle of the night with a sick or scared kid and still be the first one up in the morning...with a smile on your face
• why it is good to have mommy time sometimes
• how important it is to still take time to go on dates with my husband.
• how I want to cheer when my kids do something new, but then cry because it means they are growing up.
• crying at commercials...WHAT?! We used to make fun of my mom for that, now I am my mom! I am telling you, when you have kids it does something to you...
• What unconditional love really is

Thank you mom for all you have done for me through the years, for being there for me whenever I need you. You are so imortant to me, you are a big part of the reason I am who I am...thank you for investing so much of your life into me. Thank you for your laughter, for your tears, your prayers, and for your constant encouragement...even when you don't agree with how I am raising your grandkids! :)

God knew you were just the mom for me. I LOVE YOU MOM!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!