thankful for my mom

As a teenager, my mom was not my favorite person.  We clashed - big time.  College and beyond I was still working on finding and embracing MY identity.  I was not often seeking her opinion or approval.  In the early years of my marriage, my husband often played the role of peacemaker.  He helped me try to see the situation through her eyes.

And then...I had kids.  And then and forever, my opinion of my mom changed.

My mom raised my brother and I across the world from her family.  Growing up with a military dad also meant she raised us as a single parent for a good portion of the time.  I can barely handle one dinner without my husband's presence.  I have so much more respect for how she handled six months without my dad.

Every day I am a mom, I grow to appreciate her more.  I am thankful for her love through the years.  I am so grateful for the gift of faith that she passed on to me (especially while the rest of her family had given up their faith).  I am thankful for her sacrifices, her devotion...the blood, sweat and tears she poured out for us.  Most of all, I am thankful to have her in my life today and for our now wonderful relationship.  She is a great mom and a great mimi. Thanks for everything...love you mom.

Tulips at the beautiful Longwood Gardens

My mama

Thank goodness for the children's gardens