Happy Mother's Day...

I think by now we all know that I have this love/hate relationship with Mother's Day.

On one hand...

Toby and the kids are extra nice that day.
Usually a meal is involved.
Everyone you see wishes you Happy Mother's Day.
My sister always gets me the best gifts.  Spoils me rotten.
Spring is in the air.

But then on the other hand...

I still miss my mom.

I won't get bogged down on what I don't have without her, since I'm starting to learn that the best of her is still with me.  I have her laugh.  I have her smile.  I have exceptional parenting mothering skills... just ask my kids or anyone at the rink.  I take care of them all.

My office is a lot like her office was:  Always filled with someone wanting to hang out or needing advice.  Sometimes they just want to vent or on the really bad days, they'll shut the door and cry.

So I sit and listen, or hug, or give them what they need, whether it's simple advice or a kick in the pants.  I witnessed this gift in my mother when I was in high school, and now I see it in myself.  It's as if she is really still here.

But she's not.

So being my mother, and still wanting to make sure I'm okay, she has surrounded me with some of the best moms I know.

My friends.

As I was walking tonight I had this overwhelming feeling of being blessed with friendship.  These moms are the ones who have held me up over the years.

still not sure who the guy is...

Laughed with me.
Cried with me.
Given me hope and support when I needed it, and of course a kick in the pants too.
We've swapped recipes and pins.
We always trade books.
We check up on each other's kids.
We do breakfast, lunch, dinner, and movies.  (Shhh)
Drinks are a given, and 'wine-ing' is allowed.


In a nutshell, I am blessed.

So to all you moms... and some of you aren't even moms yet, thank you.  Thank you for making this thing we call life worth living.  Thank you getting me through the hard days and making the easy days more fun.

We are all blessed to have each other for certain.

Thanks Mom...