Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thirty Days of Thankful - Day 1 - My Mom

I figured I should start out my thirty days of thankfulness with a positive topic.  (sort of - this gets a little emo but stick with me, folks!)  Today, I am thankful for family, namely, my mom.  I don't actually have too much family, unfortunately.  My dad doesn't deserve the title of "dad" and my mother deserves a much nicer title than "mom" for everything she's done for me in my 31 years on this earth. I have uncles who I haven't spoken to in years, some cousins I follow on facebook, and a grandmother I've lost touch with, so my mom really is the center of my family universe.  The past 7 years of my life, my "family" besides my mom consisted of my ex boyfriend's family, and if you know anything about my life, you know where that stands.  (I wouldn't wish this type of "divorce" situation on anyone.  Especially around the holidays. Ugh.)  

There's no one on this planet who likes holidays more than my mom

I wrote an uber mushy post about my mom on her 60th birthday, and everything I said then still stands.  And then some.  My life completely imploded this summer.  I was in a relationship that I thought was "forever."  I was headed towards marriage, kids, a dog, the whole white picket fence shebang.  Or so I thought.  (More on that in a later "thankful" post.  I think "breakups" deserve an entire post.)  When it became pretty clear that my relationship was over and that I needed to move out of my ex's house, my mom sprang into action.  I could barely put together a sentence, dress myself, or make it through an entire work day without crying and she did what any mother would probably do with a 5 year old.  She metaphorically scooped me up, kissed my boo boos and said, "I love you.  It's ok. You're going to be fine."  I didn't believe her, but she is my mother after all, and as she likes to say, she's always right.

And she was right.  My mom is a person who gets things done.  She helped me to find a house to rent, furniture, and pack in under 5 days.  Think about that in your own life.  Could you completely pick up the pieces of your entire life and get restarted in 5 days?  It's tough, let me tell you.  But I suppose with "Mom" all things are possible.

Every person should have a person like my mom in their life.  Someone who loves you unconditionally - even when they think you're making bad decisions.  Or when you're being a jerk.  Or when you don't want to listen to a word they have to say because you know they're 100% right about something and you want them to be wrong.  I have plenty of friends who are like that but at least in my life, no one knows me like my mom. 

My mom has cat sit for me and left me flowers.  Sent me cards. Left me food in my fridge so I wouldn't starve.  Taken me out for drinks when I really needed them. Driven me home when I've had too many drinks.  She's taken up running and has become my 5K buddy.  (She's done so well that she recently PR'd by 2 whole minutes and placed in her age group.  No small feat!)  Bu to me, my mom can accomplish anything.  She's a real life super hero.  And I'm very thankful to have her in my life.

Everything I've gone through recently has really given me a chance to be appreciative for what I have in my life.  I don't think I'd still be standing without my mother's help.  And I know that whatever good and bad things are up next for me in life, my mom will be there, too.  (we have a secret - well - not so secret pact now - about her being my matron of honor someday - I look forward to the day when that can happen)



1 comment:

  1. As we get closer to the holiday season, we reflect on the things that we’re most thankful for. I am thankful that you are part of my life. The best day of my life was the day you were born. I never thought I could ever be so blessed. We may have our arguments and disagreements, but we also seem to work through it. I will also be there for you, in the good times and bad (hopefully more good than bad). I love you more than words can express. I never thought that in a million years that being a Mom would be this wonderful. I guess it because you’re my daughter. I’m extremely proud of you for all the things you have done. You have inspired me to do things that I thought I’d never be able to accomplish. I enjoy every moment of having you in my life. You are the colors to my rainbow, the light in the moon, the twinkle in the stars and the smile on my face. I love you with all my heart. I can’t even imagine what my life would be like without you and I look forward to being your Matron of Honor (so that I don’t wear a tacky dress at your wedding). Love, Mom

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