Mother

In light of today’s holiday, I feel it’s appropriate to write a tribute (of sorts) to my own underappreciated mother. I’m not certain that I’ve ever properly acknowledged her importance. When I was a baby and could do nothing for myself – fed me, washed me, kept me in clean clothes, wiped my dirty bottom, picked my nose with her crazy long fingernails (Hey, I’ve seen her do it to Aidan. I doubt that much has changed), etc.

As I grew older, she still took care of my basic needs, but her role in my life became more complicated. She became a tutor and a chauffer. She double-checked my tooth brushing job and my homework. She made sure I practiced the piano. She hung my artwork on the refrigerator and on the Christmas tree (seasonally, of course). She took me to church and came to all my choir performances. She even let me sleep in the bed next to her when Dad was out of town.

Still later, she continued to teach me important lessons – how to use a curling iron, the very best way to wrap a gift, how to drive, how to wear make-up, how to pluck my eyebrows, the list goes on. Much of it seemed trivial or insignificant at the time, but as I look back, who would have taught me those things otherwise?

Now that I’m an adult and a mother myself, I find that I still have a lot to learn from my mother. She is an invaluable resource and the best example I have of a gracious, patient, and loving wife and mother. She’s all I’ve ever aspired to be, and I’m lucky to be able to call on her when I need her.

I love you, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day!