Mom

Today is a special day.  Yesterday was an unusually difficult day because of the importance of today.  Today's significance brought out years of pain in people...pain because of  lost mothers, lost relationships, and lost hope.  Yesterday made me realize how blessed I am.

My mom is pretty awesome.  She used to leave me little notes in random places around my room when I was feeling discouraged.  She still e-mails me telling me how proud she is of me.  It's amazing what an e-mail like that can make you feel.  We used to drive home from youth group and listen to Delilah on the radio.  Sometimes we made fun of her but mostly we loved her.  We still sit on the porch whenever we are together, talking, crying, and laughing.  Hours pass and it feels like no time at all.

When growing up, I knew the rules.  Those rules had consequences when broken and I am extremely grateful for that.  Whenever I have a tough decision to make, she always stresses the importance of making it myself.  She's a firm believer in learning from your mistakes.  She gives advice carefully and chooses her words wisely.  In high school when I was dating, she always said "Just be friends!"....an expression that I hated but now I completely understand.  Whenever I am upset or concerned, she is always there with a listening ear.  

I wish that I had her photo albums here.  I would post picture after picture.  One of my favorites is of the two of us on some vacation.  I think I am 3 and my mom is holding me while I'm climbing a tree.  Another favorite is of the two of us on my wedding day.  It is a candid shot and it captures a million emotions happening in a split second.

When I have children, I hope to be everything my mom was to me.  Those are some big shoes to fill.....Happy Mothers Day Mom.  

~Ashley