My mom never gives up on me. She always tells me I’m beautiful. She comes in and sits on my bed and rubs my arm, or my feet, or my back. She plays with my hair. She chats and she talks and she keeps everything fun. She tells stories of what is going on in her life and what she is learning about gardening and grafting plants and sewing and healthy living. She doesn’t care what anyone will think about what she says - she is honest. She has a personality unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and I’ve never appreciated it more than now. She will tell you the name of every plant you walk and drive by - their Latin name! My dad married a free spirit - he made the best choice. She drops everything to come with me or come and help me. My mom is always there when I’ve asked for her or needed her. She notices when something is on my mind, even when I don’t open up about it. She still concerns herself with my happiness. She is constantly full of faith. She never gives up her faith. ever. no matter what happens or has happened. She knows who the Savior is and she loves Him. She teaches me to love Him and reminds me that He is always in charge. She always says, “It will work out” and "Just pray about it." I used to be bugged when I would hear those words. It’s true though, it always does work out. Every time I'm around her I am more thankful for the steady reminder. My mom loves my girls, and she loves my husband. My girls love her equally in return and they shriek and squeal when the phone makes a FaceTime call to damma. They constantly say, “I doe damma house. we drive. no tomomow. wight now. no tomomow. doe damma house.” Usually followed up with an, “I eat ice keam. Eat ice keam damma house.”
My mom loves her kids; she will do anything for her kids. My parents both give everything to their kids. Even now, retired, everything they do is for their kids and grandkids, and all of our futures. I grew up in a home full of love. I am sensitive now to my children capitalizing on my weaknesses, I wish I could hide them from them forever, be a perfect parent. I believe parents want their kids to know how much they love them, and parents want their kids to love them in return and appreciate the sacrifices they make for them. Parents want their kids to be forgiving of the areas they fall short. I understand that now.
I am thankful to have gone to San Diego with my mom. I am thankful to laugh with my mom. I’m thankful to hug her and tell her I love her. I hope I chose her to be my mom. If I didn’t, I’m forever thankful for the One who did.
