Happy Mothers' Day, Mom!

Happy Mothers' Day, Mom!

To the left is a picture of mom in the hospital about to give birth. She probably doesn't think so, but I think she looks beautiful here. She still has her personality (note the pooched out lip) even when she is in pain! That's my mom: a prairie woman!

My mom has sacrificed so much for me: sleep, money, a decent wardrobe while I was a teen because she felt it was more important that I look "cool" than her, time, and typically whatever she wanted. She sacrificed because she wants more for her daughters than she wants for herself. Maybe that's why I'm nervous about having children one day -- maybe I think there is no way I could be a mom like she is!

There is no way I could ever repay her for how much she's done for me. Especially recently. She never questioned me or discouraged me or made me feel stupid when I needed to come home from Africa and stay here because of health problems. Neither of my parents did. She stayed up with me countless nights, whether on the phone in Africa or on the couch here at their house, to make sure that I would be able to sleep.

I love how our relationship has blossomed as we've both seen the years pass. She is still my mom. But she's also my closest friend. Someone who will be loyal no matter what. Someone who hurts when I hurt and laughs when I laugh.

Mom, there is no way I could show you just how much I love you! But I love you so much!