Thankful Day 27

Today I am thankful for my Mom.  I am lucky enough to not only have her as my mom, but also as my friend as I've gotten older.  She has always been there for me and supported me in my endeavors.  She was a band mom and chaperoned when we went to competitions.  She was one of my Girl Scout leaders and even went with me to visit three of the world centers: Pax Lodge in London, UK, Our Cabana in Cuernevaca, Mexico and Our Chalet in Adelboden, Switzerland.  She took piano lessons with me.  She was very involved and on the board of Backstage Players, a youth theater group I was involved with starting in middle school.  She also knew it was important to support me but let me be involved by myself in some things.  One of them was a therapeutic horseback riding program.  She helped me get involved and got me there, but let me do it on my own.  I eventually ended up leading a session by myself.

She always gives good advice and is a great listener.  She makes me try things I wouldn't necessarily try on my own and most times I'm glad she did (especially with clothes).  She's always there with a hug when I need one.  She's braved black friday shopping with me.  She is very handy and helps me with projects around the house.  She is a great cook and has helped me become a fairly decent one.  We have craft time together.  Dad accuses us of having "too much fun" when we're together.

She has been especially wonderful through everything with Madeline.  I called her on the way to the hospital (at around 2am) and she packed a bag waiting to hear when to hit to road.  From that first day she was here.  She was either at the hospital with me or at home helping to take care of the animals and the house.  She took care of Adam too which meant so much to me.  She cleaned our bathroom and the carpet in our bedroom.  She put away all the baby stuff and my maternity clothes before I came home because I asked her to.  I couldn't deal with it.  I appreciated it so much because I know it couldn't have been easy on her either.  Even though she has been grieving (and watching me go through this which I couldn't imagine) she has been there for me unconditionally.  That includes giving me space when I need it.

I'm truly lucky to have her as my mom and my friend.  Love you more!

Mom and I on a camel outside Petra, Jordan, 1985

Mom and I at my Centre College graduation, 2005