The older I get, the more I am convinced that I was given the best mother on this beautiful earth.
It's hard to put it into words why this is so. Some of it is contrast, to stories I've heard over the years of other people's struggles with their mothers, mothers-in-law, or grandmothers. Somehow my mom shines in all roles she plays. My mother is a loyal, loving, trustworthy, giving, noncompetitive, funny and incredibly gracious friend to all. She worked as a third grade teacher for many years, but now substitutes in a school for kids with learning differences, and is particularly known for her skill with hard edged teens. I'm not surprised. She always knows what to say, and what not to say. She is the person my kids ask to take walks with. She is a stellar human being, and I only hope to be like her when I grow up.
My dad is just as highly ranked, but that will be said in another blog post.
Mom and Dad bring out the best in each other. They recently visited us in California, making the big trip from New York state. They spent ten days with us and those were some of the best ten days of my life. Mom and Dad were so much fun. They brought levity, humor, laughter, smiles, caring, and love to our family at the perfect time. We have been living in transition this year, we have been in four houses since we arrived in California, and it has been a tad chaotic. Having Mom and Dad here was the first time I felt at home here. Everyone was on their best behavior, which was really nice. Mom and Dad came and stayed in our rental with one bathroom, and never once was these a demand or complaint. In fact they did the dishes and cleaned up after pretty much every meal, were so appreciative of my cooking, and were content to do whatever was happening that day in our busy lives. Still we had time for lots of visiting, telling stories, sharing memories, and having fun. We went to a Giants game in San Francisco, visited Sky's college campus, watched Shawn's volleyball game, went grocery shopping and out to lunch, road tripped to a retreat center, visited Stanford campus, listened to Annabel describe her science fair research (none of us had any idea what she was saying, but we tried to follow), watched the kids play music (we have drums here), and enjoyed lots of home cooked meals.
It is said that children learn by example. I cannot think of a better example of a beautiful human being than my mom. I am beyond blessed to have her in my life.
I love you so much Mom!!
