A Post Dedicated to My Mom

Last Friday was my mom's birthday, and as promised, this post is dedicated to her. My mom is the best person I know. She is intelligent and determined, as shown by her dedication to her job as a paralegal. She has worked in the same office for about thirty years, and I don't know many people who are that loyal anymore. It is certainly a rarity. This year, my mom and dad will celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary, and they will have been together for more than half of their lives. It is crazy to think that my mom was only 21 when she got married, and 23 when she had me. I think back to when I was 23, and I am not sure I would have been able to do what she did! For most of her adult life, she has been a working mom (27 years!!). She is the best role model for my sisters and I for how to balance work and life-- although it scares me! She not only works, but cooks most nights, does the laundry twice a week, and cleans the entire house every week. On top of that, she always attended our sports games (and still does the same for my sisters today). I don't know how she did it- I still don't know. I have only two dogs and a husband and I can barely do the laundry once a week! She is certainly super mom!

The love my mom has for all of my sisters and I is immeasurable. There has never been a time when she has not been there for me. When my heart has ached, she has ached with me. When I have succeeded in something for sports or school, she was always there celebrating with me. When I have failed miserably, she has always been there holding my hand. When I was sad or lonely, she reminded me someone was out there waiting for me probably saying the same thing to his mom. She has always put her children first, no matter the cost, no matter what, and I can only dream to become half of the mother she is. She really makes us feel special and loved.

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My mother is fiercely protective (seriously don't cross us or you will not survive my mother!!). You definitely do not want to get on her bad side ;). BUT, she is the one to have on your team and your side during tough times. While I was going through a difficult time school, I remember that my mom always had confidence in me, even when I didn't have confidence in myself. I know I am not only lucky to have my mom around, but lucky to have such an amazing and supportive mom.

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The one question I get asked a lot is if my mom and I always got along. And to be honest, most of the time we did. There were times when we wouldn't agree-- and we would argue pretty intensely. We would get frustrated with each other, annoyed with each other, hurt by each other, but at the end of the day, we both knew no matter what that we loved each other. Sure, I would get extremely stressed out about......well everything....and I know it drove her crazy a good portion of the time! But, in the moments where I would calm down, she would reason with me and I would always realize to take everything one step at a time. I always live my life fast-forward-- I don't really know any other speed.  

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This past year has definitely been a transition for my family. Both my sister Elizabeth and I got married, and as a result we both moved out of our parents house the same year, only a few months apart. Now, I know what you are thinking-- you lived at your parents house until you got married at 27?! Yes, yes I did. It was the best decision for me, and honestly I think for my family. After graduate school, I got my first teaching job and I had just purchased a car. I had school loans, a car payment, and was trying to get on my feet emotionally and financially. I had gone through a break up my first year of teaching, and I was lost. I didn't know who I was, where I was going, what my future looked like. Until that point, I had mapped everything out. I decided to continue to live with my parents, and I am so glad I did. My mom was amazing during that time. She forced me to move on. I think if I had lived by myself, I would have stayed lost. I would have given up hope on love. Being at home, my family and their support allowed me to move on. She also was ready for me to get back out there dating-- she didn't waste any time haha. I think back on that time now, and I definitely would not have been able to cope had my mom not been there for me. 

Fast forward a few years later, and I got married. So did my sister. I think the transition of having two daughters move out at the same time was a lot for my mom to handle (understandably so!). It is the ending of one chapter, and the start of another chapter. Even though Elizabeth and I were just moving 20 minutes away, it won't ever be the same at home. Christmas morning will always be different, and that isn't a bad thing, it is just something we all have to get used to. My sister Jocelyn is a senior, and will be attending college in the fall, and again I think it will be hard for my mom. It is all part of life and all of these new beginnings are definitely exciting, I know that. But when you're family is so close, these transitions can be really difficult. I just hope my mom realizes that no matter the miles, no matter how far we are, we will always be there for HER! She has spent so much of her life taking care of us, that now, she can start enjoying life WITH us! Just this weekend, my mom, my husband, my sister Sarah and I went to happy hour and had a blast! It was so nice spending quality time together. 

The one aspect of my mom that I wish I could change/influence is her self-confidence. She is always self-critical of herself! I wish she could see herself as we see her: beautiful, strong, smart, funny, and caring. I can only hope to look like she does when I am her age-- which I won't mention of course :). She really needs to understand how amazing she is inside and out. I am so grateful for you mom! Words can't describe how much you mean to me, and how much I appreciate you always being on my side :). I love you! 

I hope everyone (especially my mom!) has a great Wednesday :)