Mother’s Day happens every year and besides a card and some flowers I can’t say it’s been a day I usually put much thought into. But this year is different because I’m a mother too. Being pretty new in this field I’m not any expert, but so far I can tell it’s not about the flowers or the breakfast in bed, it’s about recognition… and this year I’m so happy to spend my first Mother’s Day with my mom. Even with only six months under my belt I know that I would not be half the mother I am if she hadn’t been my mother first. So, here’s to you:

Mom,

I have always loved and adored you, but didn’t realize how selfless you are until I had a family of my own. So thank you: for being the best mother I could ask for. Thank you for dreaming of a family, for holding me in your belly for nine long months and going through an excruciating amount of pain just to get me here. I now know that day was awful and amazing all in one.

Thank you for the long nights and the hours I kept you up; I don’t remember those nights but I’m sure you do and I’m glad you get to sleep in now. Thank you for holding me close, throwing me into the air in spits of laughter, and whispering lullabies into my ear. Now I know how quickly these magical moments slip away.

Thank you for going back to work to support our family. I bet that wasn’t easy, but I hope you know how much I respect you and how important I think your job is. Even when you left us each day in someone else’s care, you went off to teach and mold other children’s minds- and  I never minded sharing because everyone little person could use someone like you in their lives.

Thank you for every baby milestone- rolling over, crawling, standing, walking… Eventually every infant will conquer these- but I’m sure I owe most of my attempts to you cheering me on. Thank you for surviving that first year with me, in addition to already having an energetic four year old. Dividing your love and energy up between two is chaotic. Looking back at the half year I’ve had with my girls makes me only admire you more. Thank you for loving me and believing in me during my first year of life.

Fast forward twenty nine years and thank you for being there for my first year of firsts. Thank you for hugging me after a rushed delivery and telling me how proud you are, thank you for holding my hand when the girls weren’t ready to come home and keeping me calm. Thank you for the late night phone calls when I’m frantic and overwhelmed. Thank you for visiting multiple times and helping me organize my crazy world. My life is easier when you’re around. Thank you for always having home ready for me and my family when we finally get to visit. You make us feel comfortable and cared for every time.

Being a mother is a million different things. It’s beautiful and exhausting and intense all at once. But, as I celebrate my first Mother’s Day with you I am nothing but happy. In many, many years from now when my girls’ are celebrating their first Mother’s Day I hope they want me around and I hope you join us. I hope their idea of motherhood is somehow a happy reflection of how I mothered them… because I learned how to be a mother from the best: you.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.