a newfound perspective for mother's day

Memories of last year's Mother's Day make me smile each time I think back to that special weekend in May. My dad's birthday always falls close to Mother's Day, so we celebrate the two events together most years. Last year, I told my parents I was giving them a joint gift, and I get immediately sappy as I recall the looks on their faces when they discovered the contents in their giftbox: a poster reading "Got Plans NYE?" and underneath a newborn onesie. Dad questioned what NYE stood for, convinced it had to do something with New York, while mom discovered the onesie and let out a squeal of joy. (Dad eventually put two and two together and realized that New Year's Eve was my due date.)

Fast forward one year, and now that I'm about to celebrate my first Mother's Day, I've begun to realize the great responsibility of motherhood and am counting my lucky stars that I've had such a great role model over the years.

Mom, you've taught me to think before I speak, and hold my tongue if my words could injure others. You've taught me that I can reach any goal I set for myself, no matter how lofty. You've been my No. 1 fan, even when I'm struggling from the sidelines. You've shown me that caring for others develops as a natural habit and comes straight from the heart. You've reminded me that no one is perfect, and that I have to learn to forgive others. You've been my sounding board during difficulties, never convicing me to make certain decisions, but giving me solid, objective advice so that I can make my own choices. You've postponed your priorities to offer me safe harbor and comfort with no questions asked. You've taught me the value of hard work.

As a mother, you are the epitome of Corinthians 13.

On a lighter note, I'm now starting to understand what I once thought were motherly quirks:

• Watering down our cherry Koolaid because you thought it was too sweet
• Making us run laps at the rest stop on the way to the beach
• Banning the phrase "shut up"
• Convincing us that fruit is the ultimate dessert
• Limiting us to 30 minutes of TV per day in the summer
• Giving us an earlier curfew than most kids
• Never stocking sodas in the pantry
• Forcing us to play outside
• Leaving us lists of chores to do in the summer
• Insisting that we apologize to each other with "I'm sorry" instead of just "sorry"
• Packing homemade lunches when traveling instead of stopping for fast food
• Making us help with yard work, especially pulling up weeds

You'll never know just how much you mean to me--and I know I'll never be able to adequately express it. Just know that if I end up being exactly like you as a mother, I'll consider myself fortunate.

Happy Mother's Day!