Happy Mothers Day to my MOM!

Have you met my mom?

She is pretty incredible. She is my rock in a hard, difficult, sometimes overwhelming world.
My mom was a single mother for a long time.
Did I mention all the times she struggled just to feed me when I was little? But she never gave up. She went without so I could thrive.
She taught me so many lessons in life. Things to do and things not to do.
Did I mention she was a teenager when she had me? No not like 16 and pregnant or anything, but too young to understand what being a mom was.
 Did I mention her mom passed away when she was little? She didnt have a mom to show her how to be the woman she is. She just is. And that is incredible!
Did I mention she asked me what I thought when she became pregnant when I was 13? She genuinely wanted to know what I thought about being an older sister. Clearly, I was SUPER excited! I was so excited, she had two more after that! ;)
Did I mention she raised me to go against the grain? I feel like I have said this a lot lately. Because it is who I am. I am a rule-breaker. But not for the bad. I like to be the "exception" to the rule. Often.
Did I mention she fought for me and my rights? Like all the time. Even the smallest issue at school, she was there, on my behalf, on my side. No questions asked. And she still is. Forever. And a day.
Did I mention the time I moved to California? She didnt believe I would actually do it, until she saw my ticket. I think I heard her heart break. But she supported me. Even when I came running back home with a newborn a year later. She supported me.
Did I mention my "messy divorce" years? She supported me for the most part then too. When I was a mess and my life was a mess and I didnt know which way was up, she threw me a life-vest and said hold on tight. And I did. And she was there. Telling me I was going to survive. I was going to come to the top eventually and she would be there. And she was.
Did I mention the time I gave birth to the most perfect boy and he just happened to have Down syndrome? She was there, in the room watching stoic and secure. Never wavering. At least not in front of me. She was my calm in a crazy day. And she knew. She knew I was going to rock at being a special needs mom. Because she raised me that way. She just held my hand and said - we are in this together. And we are.
Did I mention that time I got married? No not that time, but the second time. She set it up so I could have the wedding at my step-dad's restaurant. A place that meant so much to me. She made my brothers, who were my bridesmen, dress nicely and had my step dad walk me down the "aisle". She made me the most beautiful wedding cake because we couldnt afford one. She made my day special.
Did I mention that time I got pregnant? Again. She held the most beautiful baby shower. Again. She always has a way of making me feel so special. She is special.
Did I mention that my mom made a huge life change for herself? She is now sober. SOBER! I never thought I would see the day! She thought she did it for her. But I know she did it for me, and my brothers and my children. She just doesnt know it. I am so proud of her. In fact I couldnt be more proud.
Did I mention she did so awesome in this life change that my step-dad made the same change? Yeah thats right... both SOBER!
Oh - and did I mention that my mom is my BESTEST friend, like, EVER. Like ever ever...
And I cant imagine my life without her. And she did an awesome job at being a mom even if she had no one to show her the ropes.
See, I have her. To show me how to be awesome. But she had, like, no one...
And she is amazing. And continues to be amazing. And now she is a grandma and she is amazing at that too!! There is no stopping this woman!

If I can only be HALF the woman my mother is, then I have accomplished something.
And you know what? She isnt done being spectacular. There are many things ahead of us that she will be there for me and my kids. I will need her again in some way shape or form and she will be there. No questions asked. Again. Like she always is. Because thats her. Thats how she rolls.
Did I ever tell you, my mom is my rock? Yeah, I think I might have. But ts worthy of saying again.

Happy Mothers Day, mom.  I know it is never said enough but you are appreciated more then I could ever express in this lifetime.

And if I got to do it over and pick another mom, 
I would still choose you. Forever. And a day.