Why I Need My Mom

As part of mother’s day, I am trying to appreciate all of the things about motherhood that make it so wonderful. But instead, my thoughts take me to the reasons why I appreciate my mom and how much I learned from her about motherhood. I am so lucky, so fortunate to have been raised by the most giving, unselfish person I have ever known. I am in awe of her strength and her faith. She taught me to be a mother. She taught me about hard work and about what it truly means to give without expecting anything in return. I love her very much and even as a grown woman I realize quite often that…….

I still need my mom.

Granted, I don’t call as often as I should. And I don’t always remember to do the right things or call for every event. But, my mom taught me all of the most important things that I need every day to be a mother. And because of that, I draw upon all of the things I learned from her every day. I think about her, EVERY DAY. I am grateful for her EVERY DAY. (Mom, if you are reading this, I am sure there is an annoying mother’s day primary song I could insert here.)

I am so stubborn and strong-willed, my mom would probably be surprised and thrilled to hear me actually admit that I learned something from her. You can’t teach me anything. I have to figure life out on my own. My mom knows this about me – probably better than anyone. She knows that she has to sit back and watch me go through all of my bumps and bruises alone until I ask for help. And as much as it pains her, she respects that about me. I have learned that trait from her as my boys are just as stubborn and strong-willed. Each have to learn everything the hard way and on their own, but she taught me how to stand back and wait until they ask for the help they need. She made it look so easy when I now understand just how hard it really is.

My mom has taught me how to be a good listener. She has taught me that it is just as important to sit and listen, offer up advice now and again, empathize, and even sometimes just tell the honest truth if the situation calls for it. This is something I have been able to use in my career as well as with my children. My relationships are stronger because of her example.

Life is full of struggles. But with each one, my mom would brush them off and forge ahead. Nothing stopped her. There were some moments that I witnessed life’s challenges, sacrifices she had to make, tears shed, and with each one she pushed forward. She accepted the challenge and did what she could to overcome it. My life has not been full of so many of its own challenges. But my memories of watching her handle hers have taught me some of the most valuable lessons I will ever learn. Since life is so full of challenges and struggles, so many unanswered questions, it is necessary to get thru them and move forward. She always came out them positive, stronger, and even more determined. I think of it now and am amazed at her strength.

My mom taught me how to cook. Apparently it isn’t easy for everyone, but she made it seem effortless. Over time, my dad taught me quite a few things as well so I have to give him a bit of credit here too, but at a young age, I was making grilled cheese sandwiches for the family. My mom assigned a night for me to cook for the family. She taught me how to bake, build a menu, shop for dinners, plan, and organize for a week of cooking for a family. With balancing work and family, this has been a valuable tool. Because of her, this is effortless for me. And I enjoy it. I’d say she taught me very well.

I am faced daily with the challenge of juggling work and home. Without my mom, I never would have known how to organize myself the way I needed to in order to get everything done. I never could have the skills and abilities I have in being able to juggle both without all she taught me about being a hardworking mother. I learned my organizational skills from my mom. She does such a great job at keeping her home organized.

So when I look in the mirror, I see that I have taken some of the best skills and traits from both my mom and my dad. And even though I may not call every day, or remember to do or say all the right things that a good daughter should, my mom needs to know that I think of her EVERY DAY.

Because EVERY DAY, I need her and all of the wonderful things she taught me. (Just for you mom - insert annoying primary mother’s day song here.)

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thank you for being you and for being the best example of what a mother truly is. I am a very fortunate daughter. And I will ALWAYS need YOU most.