To My Mom

Today is a very special day! It is the anniversary of the day my Mom was born.

I thought it would be fitting to pay special tribute to the woman who so selflessly cared for, protected and guided me through my vulnerable years. The person who demands nothing from me, but always hopes for my well being and happiness. The special person who is always just a prayer and a thought away.

Being a mom myself, has made me even more appreciative of the sacrifices and the hurts that all moms endure.

So here goes...

Mom

You were always there for me... physically, emotionally and spiritually
You comforted me when I fell and hurt myself and all your kisses and hugs made my pain subside
Your gentle way of listening to my struggles and thrashing through them with me made me feel validated and able to rise above them
You always believed me and in me
You taught me to believe in myself and depend on myself
You set an example of how when you want to achieve something, you stick steadfastly to your goal until you achieve it
You taught me to think for myself and not follow the crowd.
You caused me to know that there are no normal people out there, we just all are
You gave me my independence and never tried to clip my wings because it was hard for you to let go
You sacrificed buying yourself new clothes in order to clothe me
You made all my clothes which were specially sewn with love and care
You always played games with me
And we shared laughter
You taught me the value of saving, so we could go on family holidays
You always made sure that there was a bit of money over for the pleasantries in life: a live show, an ice cream, putt-putt
You enthused me with your love of nature and of growing things
Even though you often suffered pain, you took me for divine walks in nature
You stoically hid your pain and fears from me and I never saw you cry
actually only twice...
Once was when you smacked me for something I never did and your tears were those of regret
(you taught me to say "sorry")
the other time was when I came to your bedside when you were fighting that awful virus, coxacci, and then your tears were tears of despair ( you taught me that you were vulnerable and real)
You taught me to pick myself up and put a smile on my face
to always remember that there were those less fortunate than myself
You helped to open my eyes to knowlege of the world around me regards geography, politics and spirituality
You gave me a childhood and for this I am eternally grateful
You allowed me playtime and time to dream
You patiently helped me with my homework
We shelled peas together, baked together, sewed together

Mom, you are an exceptional mother!

I want you to know that you are so worthy of love and respect and kindness and compassion
and you are allowed to cry. It doesn't mean you are weak. You are human and you too have feelings.
Tears are wonderful expressions of joy, sadness, even ecstacy and wonderment.

I love you, Mom!

And I wish you an especially wonderful Birthday today and every other day

To all those of you who are parents, I know how hard we try to be perfect and strong, but know this, "We all do the best job we know how to do and that is great"

I love you all and wish you a week of quiet reflection and self appreciation

Remember to tell yourselves what a great job you are doing and what an awesome person you are!

love
Nicolette