Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

Mom and me at my first Christmas.

Raising me probably wasn't very easy. I was dramatic and emotional from the start.  We didn't always see eye to eye or get along, but we're both Norwegian redheads and I have that stubborn streak that comes from Dad's side, so it's no surprise there were some conflicts.  But we always worked through them, and I love that we're friends now.  I know there's nothing I can't tell you or talk to you about. So, I thought I'd issue a few apologies and thanks in time for Mother's Day.

I'm sorry for putting water in the gas tank of the mower when I was a little girl.  I'm sure I didn't apologize then, and if I did, it probably wasn't sincere, but it is now.  I still don't know why I listened to my little brother and decided that was a good idea. I'm sure that was not an easy or cheap problem to fix.

I'm also sorry for lying to you about picking my best friend Brooke up on the way to school in high school.  I didn't understand why it was a big deal even though it was technically against the law (she wasn't on my direct route to school) and definitely against your rules, but I did it anyway. Obviously, you caught me.  Moms always know what's going on even when you think they don't.

Honestly, I'm sorry for my teenage years, in general.  I've always been an emotional girl and I'm sure I was no piece of cake when the hormones really kicked in.  I know I said and did things that probably hurt your feelings, and I really wish I hadn't.  I hate hurting anyone's feelings, especially yours.

Thank you for playing The Beatles and Billy Joel during my childhood.  Because of your love for The Beatles, you understood when I became obsessed with 'N Sync, although I think you probably had a better shot of marrying Ringo Starr than I had of marrying Lance Bass.  And all the Billy Joel definitely helped shape my current musical tastes.  I probably wouldn't be so into singer-songwriters who play guitar and piano without your influence. 

Thank you for always supporting me in what I wanted to do. Even when it meant going to a private college that we're both still paying for more than a decade later.  Even when it meant packing up my little purple Dodge Neon and moving to Texas.  I know that was hard for you, especially the times I called you in tears because I'd just lost my job, my apartment had been robbed, or my closest friend had just died.  But you never made me feel bad about my decision.  You've never made me feel bad about any of my decisions, and that is amazing.

Thank you for showing me what it means to be a good friend and person. From you, I've inherited and learned how to treat people for whom I care. My loyalty, kindness, and joy in giving to others come from you.  Okay, so my quirky sense of humor probably does too.  I wish I'd inherited your affinity for cleaning and managing money, but ... I'm not dead yet, so maybe they'll kick in someday. 
I hope.

Well, I think I rambled enough for today.  Maybe I'll add to this next year.  I look forward to seeing you this weekend and hearing about your recent vacation, which you so richly deserved.

Love you,

As I’ve mentioned before, I am part of a little online blogging group where bloggers share advice, get feedback, and support each other. Once a month, we all write a post on the same topic. Below you’ll find links to all of the wonderful ladies in the group so that you can read their posts for mom. I highly encourage you to check them out- you might find some new favorite blogs!

Sarah Hartley
Knowing Kelly
Slice of Heaven
Chaotic and Collected
The Good Enuf Mommy
Unabashedly Me
Finding The Glitter