A Mothers Day Card...

I took a trip to the store and read a good amount of cards, picked out the one that had words that could begin to highlight some of the amazing things you are to me... and it's still on my counter.  I'm so thankful that my mom sees me in the trenches and mountain tops of motherhood right now, and gives me grace.

If I had mailed it, it would have said something like this.

I heard a sermon recently on family life today that talked about how we need to tell our parents things.  Write them a letter.  Let them know the legacy you are living because of them.  My thoughts have wandered to all the mundane things that happen around here, and all the amazing things that happen around here, and how my mama experienced them all.

When I'm up and so stinking tired, blindly nursing the wee one back to sleep in the quiet hours of the morning - mom did that too.  When my 5 year old asks me if I will wipe his butt every time before he goes to the bathroom (I have never NOT done that for him, so it gets a little repetitive), - mom did that too.  Fixing lunches on the days I remember to do that - mom did that.  Taking the back off a bandaid for a "non existent boo-boo" but bandaids make it all better - mom did that too.  Watching the tears fall down my childs face because their feelings were hurt - mom did that.  Picking out the church outfits and hoping nothing too crazy comes out of their mouth while they are there - mom did that.  Letting my boy wear water shoes with every out fit because thats what stage he's in - mom did that.  Yelling from the sidelines cheers of encouragement, or beaming from the other room as I hear the music the oldest is playing through his fingers - mom experienced that.

I could go on and on.  Daily I am reminded of the way she served us.  Recently we were talking about our love languages, and mom told me hers is acts of service, and thats why she thinks she loved motherhood so much when we were younger.  Oh how she served us so well, and still does.  I have never doubted her love for me.  If I call tomorrow and tell her I'm flailing about in this motherhood world I'm in, she would scoot around her plans and come rescue me.  If I go to her with a burdened heart for one of my babes, she lifts them up in prayer to Jesus for me and with me.

This motherhood journey is the longest and shortest journey of my life.  My oldest is 12 and I swear I blinked and he was this boy, almost a man, nearly taller than me.  Ev has only been in this world for four months but it feels like she's always been here.  I know I will blink and she will be 12 too.

We have all left the nest, but we still need you, Mama.  Because your love, your heart, all of you... is irreplaceable.  I want to be as good as you were and are.  I want for my four to know they are loved as well as I know you love me.  I want to cheer as loudly, fight for in prayer, and love as unconditionally as you do for me.  You are my hero, mama.  The one I want to be like.  Today I honor you and all that you are.  I love you, Mom.