Anniversary Present 2017. 10 Reasons. Reason Number 5.

I Googled "Mom" to see if there was anyone out here bold enough to even attempt to give it a definition.  I found lots of things regarding genetics, biology and science.  But that wasn't what I was looking for - any fool can give birth.  After about 45 minutes I stumbled upon this and it hit me that this guy - whoever he is - nailed it perfectly.

"Ask your self this one question. Where would you be without person -- BLANK--?"  The blank is filled with "your mom" 99% of the time.  So indirectly he nailed it.  "Mom" is that person who no matter what you do, no matter how you fight, no matter what she says always has your best interest in mind.  This is something very rare.  Basic economic theory depends on the "me first approach to life" as in "people will always act in the best interest first".  But that rule doesn't apply to being a mom.

So reason number 5 is officially - you are an amazing mom.

I can vividly remember that cold December Texas day when I so charmingly asked you when you were going to get off your ass and have a baby.  Only in our magical relationship could it have been true that you were already pregnant.  I always wanted a family.  A real family.  It took marrying you to get one.

Our children really have no idea the lengths and sacrifices you have made for them over the years.  They can only see the surface of the passion with which you managed and coddled their lives.  The details that you went over to make sure things were perfect for them.  Every tiny little bit of minutia. Every "just so" that they had no idea was happening to fulfill their near fairy tale lives.

Perfect Birthdays.
Perfect Christmas.
Perfect first day of school.
Perfect decorated bedrooms.
Perfect hair/clothes.
Perfect self image.
A hand to hold whenever they needed it.
A hug when it was most necessary.
That compliment that reminded them they were perfect.

I wonder if they ever really considered that when something bad happened to them you felt 10 times worse than they did?  Did they know the pressure you put on yourself to protect them from any harm?  Our oldest is 26 years old and YESTERDAY you looked a wreck having her drive home in her boyfriends car.  Sadly they see that as overbearing - I see it as making sure they are safe.

I see people on Facebook post things like "being a mother is so much work", yet not for one second did I ever think you thought of it as work.  It seemed to always  - no matter how frustrating - cause you so much joy.  No complaints about your role as their mother.  No arguments over your responsibility to them  And NEVER any question about how much you loved them and wanted NOTHING but the best for them.

I can think of at least 3 moms in our lives who give that shitty kind of lip service to their ability as mothers.  But none can hold a candle to you.  You never asked for praise, you never sought reward - you just did what was right for your kids.  No matter what the cost.

So when my kids ask themselves "where would I be without my mom?" they know the answer.  They know what you did for them.  And while they may not always show it. They may take it for granted.  They may blame you for this or that.  They still know one thing above all.  "My mom would lie down in front of bus for me".  They may not appreciate it all the time, but they know.  They can count on it - every day.

I am going to insert something here that I want you to always remember my love.  Because I know how hard you are on yourself and no one is perfect.  In this one area my love you are perfect.  Even if there were flaws, they were perfectly flawed.  No two children have ever been more loved and cared for so well.  I have watched you for 26 years.  I see everything.  Even when you vent, I know what you are really thinking.  You are the perfect mom.  It should be the only tattoo you ever consider.

Selfishly, you kind of allowed me to take a parental backseat.  I never felt the pressure you do as a parent.  But then again I had this amazing "mom" in my family telling me what to do.  It was so much easier for me.  I just got to spend - or still get to spend - every day watching you in amazement.

I can only imagine how our lives would have turned out if we had mothers who were half the mother you have been all these years.  Then again, maybe our lives turned out the way they did because you made sure they did.

So happy "almost" our anniversary my love. Just 5 days to go.

You're the world to me.  I love you more than anything in the world.