Since it is Mother’s Day here in the US, I have decided to dedicate this post to my mom. Although she gets on my nerves on a daily, ok hourly basis, she’s been patient through 34 years of me figuring out who “me” is. I am listing 15 reasons, but believe me, I could probably name 100s more.

I am blessed with a mother:

1. Who pushed me through her loins to my beginnings on this planet. 7lbs 12 1/2 ounces and 21 inches long. Not a small potato.
2. Who read any book or story I asked for. She bought a series of Disney books when I was around 2 or 3 years old and read to me every night, without complaint, even if she’d heard the story 50 times. To this day I credit her with my passion for reading and with the ease of learning how to begin with.
3. Put up with my odd fascinations with hairstyles of movie and television stars. She was/is a beautician after all, but I tested her with great authority when I was little. Miss Kitty from Gunsmoke had the hairstyle I always requested when I was playing dress-up. If I saw a commercial and I liked the hair of some anonymous woman I would say, “I want my hair like that.” Strangely enough- I still do this.
4. Who had to introduce me as “Ginger” (from Gilligan’s Island), when I was “performing” on stage, (ok the end tables). If she didn’t do it right I would make her do it again.
5. Who listened to daily singing of “Little Goldie Goldfish” and “Love Will Keep Us Together.” I was convinced at a very early age I was really famous.
6. Who played with the “Little People” village and dolls when the weather was too bad for my cousin and I to play together. Being an only child can get lonely, but my mom never complained about having to play.
7. Who held my hand when I threw up and assured me I was okay. Some of you know I have some kind of phobia when it comes to myself or others throwing up. From the ages of about 4 to my pre-teen years, I would plug my ears with my index fingers and say, “Mommy I’m scared.”
8. Who allowed me to go through growing pains when I started Kindergarten. I did not like going and even went so far as to run out the door at school on several occasions. Not once did she show any frustration and let my phase run its course.
9. Who was very involved with school functions. From being homeroom mother to PTA, she was there, (as well as my dad). I truly believe this is one of the reasons I did so well in school and pushed myself so hard.
10. Who was a mom to all of my friends. Going to a small school and living in such a small community, the group of kids I grew up with were close. Any school function she was there- and the kids swarmed to her and some called her mom. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20s that I realized how special that made her. Not only to me, but to them as well.
11. Who went through something so traumatic and managed to raise a teen on her own. She was 42 when my dad passed away suddenly. They had the rest of their lives ahead of them and he was taken from her in a heartbeat. In my eyes they were what a married couple should be- caring, passionate, youthful and dedicated to each other. So little of this is seen today and I believe this is one reason I have yet to find that special someone. She and my dad were soul-mates. She moved on, traveling a rough road, but I know he would be proud of everything she has done.
12. Who, although royally pissed, accepted my decision to quit college. I now wish I had listened to the advice she gave me.
13. Who has put up with my moods, my depression, anxieties and everything in between. Most mothers would have thrown in the towel with some of the things I put her through, but she kept loving me unconditionally.
14. That knows when to say, enough is enough.
15. Who has told me many times that she would give up her own life in order for me to be happy. Only a mother’s love can be this strong.

To all the moms out there-Happy Mother’s Day. To my mom, I love you more than anyone or anything on this Earth. Thank you for giving me life, letting me screw it up and and loving me anyway.