This year, my mom is celebrating her 50th Mother’s Day! How amazing is that?!? It’s hard to believe that 50 years ago she brought her first child (out of five) into this world. In comparison, i’ll only be celebrating my 3rd Mother’s Day! But there is no better mentor I could possibly have. I’m pretty sure that 50 years of motherhood experience makes her an expert in this field! I can’t even imagine the emotions, joy, heartache, and psychosis that comes from raising children for so many years. And I say “raising” because as I’ve grown into an adult and as i’ve watched my siblings grow into adults, it is clear to me that she still is raising us. She carries this amazing, selfless, unconditional love with a fierce desire to always protect us, to care for us, and to put us before herself.  It humbles me, and even pains me at times when I know it’s far beyond “her turn”, but she never takes it.

I credit my mother with many things and it would trivialize them to try and list them off. But, as of today, what I can reflect on the most is her ability to be my center. It is not uncommon for me to call her several times a day simply because its her voice I want to hear. Or if i’m unsure about something or having a bad day,  she is often the first person I turn to. Often she knows my worries without me needing to even say them. This has especially been true over the past 5 years or so, which I’m sure can be attributed to me settling into adulthood.  Getting married, raising a family, experiencing loss. Along this journey she remained my mother, but also evolved into my confidant, and best friend. My mother is where I keep returning to, and she will always be my home.

Happy Mother’s Day to my mommy and all the other wonderful mothers out there.