Mother's Day - A Day to Remember

Tomorrow marks a big day of celebration - one that so many gather together for, buy special gifts for, make the day for - Mother's Day!!  It's a day to acknowledge all the hard work Mom does, recognize the fact that she carried and nurtured you for 9 months in that belly of hers. She changed your poop filled diaper at 3am in a zombie like state, she cared for you when you were sick and basically helpless and crying all hours of the night.  She introduced you to new things,  hauled your butt to and from school, athletics, friends houses...she said "no" when she knew what was best for you, and reluctantly said "yes" when she knew you needed to learn on your own.  She's always got your back.  She put your life ahead of hers in so many ways, so many times and she shows you unconditional love that is irreplaceable.  She's your best friend...At least, I am lucky enough to say that about my Mom.  

My best friend :)

I celebrate with a smile, knowing that my Mom is my best friend.  I can call her anytime, anywhere and say anything and I know she will be there.  I can't imagine my life without her.  We've been through some pretty challenging and scary times.  She's battled breast cancer and I called her a "mouse" - because her bald head was so tiny and she looked like a cute little mouse, haha!! (Really I meant it as a compliment).  I remember caring for her after her chemo treatments, when she was extremely sick, weak and fragile.  She's been with me since day 1 of my health journey and has spent countless hours and days caring for me, at doctors appointments and in the hospital ... As we look ahead at the future, knowing a transplant is my only chance at possibly breathing like a normal human being one day, I would be terrified to go through it all without my Mom by my side, cheering me along.  I hate that she has to be a cheerleader in such a challenging game, but I know we aren't given anything we can't handle, especially together.  We share so many things, and the time I spend with my Mom is something I cherish any time I can get.  We laugh - we cry - and we are there for each other.  I try to celebrate my Mom everyday, but tomorrow is one day a year where, whoever or wherever your Mom is, whatever your relationship may be, take time to tell her you love her, or take a moment to remember her if she is no longer with you.  She brought you into this world, and there is nothing more wonderful that being able to bring another life into this big world.

Mother's Day is also a bold reminder for me and so many others, that I (we) will likely never get to be a mother...well at least to a human being that is ;)  This is something I always thought I would be one day, something I always planned and hoped for ... I'd love to be able to have the chance at being a Mom, to experience the feeling of carrying my unborn child, feel him or her kick in my belly, the pain and beauty of childbirth.  I would love so much to see (what I can only imagine would be) a beautiful boy or girl Bob and I would have.   I'd love to see even more how great of a Dad I know my husband would be.

So on this Mother's Day I hope for two things.  First and most importantly, I hope you celebrate your Mom and show her how much she means to you, tell her how much you love her.  Don't let it be just Mother's Day that you show your love and respect for your Mom, but try every day to do so.

Secondly, on this Mother's Day, remember all of those who are mommies in a different sense - Mom's like me that maybe don't have a human child, but have babies with four legs, fur and a tail!  I am proud to call myself a "doggie Mom" to my sweet Bella and Tarver.  They are my "kids" and I love them with my whole heart.  I just hope I am half the Mom to them, that my Mom is to me.

I love you Mom, today is your day and I hope you know how special and loved you are!!!  To all the mommies out there, Happy Mother's Day!!!