I saw something recently online that felt appropriate with Mother's Day approaching. It said:
Age 10: I love you, Mom!
Age 14: My mom is so annoying!
Age 18: I want to leave this house.
Age 25: Mom, you were right.
Age 30: Mom, forgive me?
Age 50: I don't want to lose my mom.
Age 70: Mom, I love you so much!
While I haven't reached each of these ages I know that my mom and I have gone through some of these different stages already. Growing up, Mom was the one I always turned to. We did everything together. I wanted to be so much like her that my first pair of glasses were red because "my mom has red glasses". I wanted to be a teacher because Mom was. We spent weekends at the beach soaking up the sun during the summers. During the winter she was taking me up to the Poconos so that I could ski with the other family members. She was my girl scout leader and taught me things that I'll be able to use the rest of my life. She stayed up to ridiculous hours of the night helping me to finish projects because I was a complete procrastinator. She supported me in everything I did and made a real effort to be a part of the things I was involved in.
As I've gotten older, there have been some bumps in the road though. I didn't have any siblings and Mom was usually the one I'd end up fighting with instead of that sibling. There have been times when I've felt she's been too nosy or strict. We've butted heads on some major things in life. She's never stopped loving me though, even if she didn't agree with a decision I was making.
She's held me when I've cried after breakups. She's let me make decisions and learn from them instead of insisting on doing it her way. She's pushed me out of my comfort zone in different ways. She was the one who pushed me to live on campus my freshman year of college even though I was so against it. That turned out to be one of the best and worst years of my life. She's the one who patiently waited and caught me when I fell with my depression and eating disorder. She's bitten her tongue more than a few times when it comes to saying "I told ya so". She's comforted and cared for me when I'm sick. And still even at almost 24 years old, my mom is who I want when I'm puking at 3am. I get my craftiness from my mom. I've never known someone who has a natural artistic ability the way she does. I'm excited to say she's helped me learn how to make a quilt. She designed more than a few dresses for me too. She was known as Mom Reed by all of my friends growing up. They all thought she was cool. She knew the words to "Low" and what apple bottom jeans were. They wanted to call her when in a car accident instead of their own parents. (That actually happened). Mom has stood up for me numerous times. I was bullied in school and faced some not so great situations. She made sure the situations were addressed and I didn't get pushed around anymore. She's taught me how to be a thrift shopper and taking advantage of a good deal. She wouldn't admit it but I think I got my shopping obsession from her. She's always told me the importance of following my gut. When I spilled my guts about Josh to her, she was the one who said follow what you're feeling, you're feeling it for a reason. Mom usually takes more on her plate than she's up for. She works two part time jobs that are both physically demanding but she still does it. She volunteers for many groups and organizations and rarely has time to do anything for herself. Like her own mom, she doesn't know how to say no to people. She constantly wants to help others in whatever way she can.
I think Mom is the reason why I've always had the desire to be a Mom. I don't think it's something I need to go into too much detail about. I just think I've seen how much she's done for me and provided me and I want to be able to provide that to my own children. I've come too close to losing Mom
too many times. She's faced some scary health issues over the years and it's been hard to watch her face them. She's stronger than people know.
too many times. She's faced some scary health issues over the years and it's been hard to watch her face them. She's stronger than people know.
It's been hard on her that I'm not living at home anymore. She doesn't see me as much and we don't talk as often as we used to. It's a part of growing up that's taking her some serious getting used to. I'm still around Mom, don't ever forget that.
I just want to take the time to say thank you, for everything you've always done for me. Sure, I didn't always understand at the time where you were coming from. As I get older I'm starting to have a better understanding of it all though. I love you more than words can express. You will always be my best friend. "Loves you me"
I'd also like to take the time to send a special Happy Mother's Day to Josh's mom. I've had the privilege of getting to know her this past year and she's an amazing woman. She's strong and caring. She's faced some difficult times this year but has continued to hold her head high and be the bigger person. She's also become a grandmother. The way I see her with her granddaughter makes me think of the way she probably was with each of her kids. You did an amazing job raising all three of them. Thank you for becoming like a mom to me too :)
To all Moms out there, Happy Mother's Day! You all are amazing!
