The maternal bond I share with my Mom is unbreakable. Undeniable. Honest. Who else would continue to nurture me, teach me, punish me, and LOVE me day in and day out, no matter my attitude, disagreement, or orneriness. She had an answer to each challenge I threw her way, and she did so with the biggest heart and the highest intentions for her youngest child, her 3rd daughter. She talked to me, hugged me, and when I deserved it, she put soap in my mouth. She taught me, spanked me, and genuinely inquired about my day at school, my teammates, and my friends. She laughed with me, gave me freedom, and above all, sensed when I needed her. I may have grown up on the honor roll, said my please and thank you's daily, and successfully made it through college and into adulthood, but it wasn't without many tears, tantrums, and arguments with my mom. Looking back, I owe my mom a million thank you's for every high five, soapy tongue, spanking, or hug she ever gave me.
Mom, you were a perfect mom back then, I just didn't see it some days. Today, I see your perfection EVERY day. I'm so grateful you don't hold my teen years against me, because being best friends is beautiful!
I assume we can all agree that Mother's Day should be every single day of the year. While I do not know motherhood yet, I marvel at the moms in my life. Labor, lullabies, and lovies. Sticky fingers, stomach bugs, and sass. Homework, horseplay, and hobbies. Baseball games, ballet, and birthday parties.
I know the hardship, fear, and the unknown of motherhood is nothing when you compare it to the love you hold in your heart for your child, because I see it.
I see it in Heather's eyes and smile as she beams with joy at Kate.
I hear it in her voice as she belts out Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" to Kate over her giggles.
I feel it when she bounces around with Kate on her hip, swaying and dancing without a care in the world.
Do you see it?
