Gratitude

When I first found out that I would be having surgery I didn't even consider the idea of having my Mom come out to help. I knew my recovery wouldn't be easy- but I also knew that Mom has lots going on at home in Cali and that it's a huge expense to travel to Utah. But when Mom volunteered to come take care of me I couldn't say 'NO'.

I am so full of gratitude for all that she does. As I was contemplating how much I appreciate her during this time my thoughts reflected on my own motherhood. There are so many times it feels like I do, do, do for my kids and they never appreciate it. I'm sure there were many years that my Mom felt this way towards me as I was growing up. Seeing how selfless my Mom is giving of her time and realizing the amount of love she has for me makes me wish I wasn't such a turd growing up. But I guess this is the way life goes. Without my own experiences as a mother I wouldn't appreciate my own Mother as much. All I can say is I don't know what I would do without her. And it gives me a little piece of mind thinking that someday my kids will appreciate all that I do for them.

She has kept my laundry under control,
loaded and unloaded the dishwasher (if you know Mom, you know what a step this is), :o)
entertain my wild kids,
let me take naps,
fold patterns for orders,
feed, take care of, and train the dog,
numerous trips to walmart,
my personal taxi driver,
gone to parent-teacher conferences with me,
bought the grandkids books at the book fair,
tucked my kids in at night,
bathed and showered my kids,
scrubbed my toilets,
vacuumed my floors,
endured countless attacks from a crazy cat,
shoveled said cat's litter box,
baked cookies,
baked MORE cookies,
bought groceries,
tended the kids so I could have date-night with Gilbert,
and many more things that I can't remember to list.

Sometimes it takes major life events to recognize the blessings you have. Through all of this I recognize the blessing of my Mom. I only hope that I can show her how much I love and appreciate all that she's done for me. Not just during this past week, but for the last 33 yrs.

Thanks Mom, I LOVE YOU!