It's Mother's Day, a day for us to honour the women who gave us life
and thank them for all they've done.
As much as I appreciate my mom, I won't be rushing out to buy her a
sappy card or a bouquet of overpriced flowers this Sunday. It's not
the commercialism of the holiday that deters me - I just don't think
cards or flowers do the woman justice.
And that $35 brunch won't cut it, either - if I took her to one of
those things, she'd probably lecture me about spending money
foolishly. (After all, she can make delicate eggs benedict, bake
scrumptious scones, and whip up waffles like nobody's business - and
hers taste better than the restaurant's, of course.)
For me, Mother's Day is a special day to look back and acknowledge
all that my mom has done for me - and what I put her through as a
teenager, as well. The exercise reminds me why mothers get a day to
themselves: they really deserve it.
Older and slightly wiser, I can now look back and see what a pain in
the ass I was as a child. It gives me a renewed sense of respect for
mothers like mine who do their jobs so well.
To be a true parent is a terribly unpopular job. Befriending
teenaged offspring and being "the cool mom" is a much easier and
tempting option - but my mom never took the bait.
And in the end, I'm glad I had that I the mom I did instead of
someone like Stiffler's famous party-hardy mom. (But just for the
record, mom, all of my guy friends used to tell me how "hot" you were
- some of them still do - so I guess you must share some attributes
with the renowned M.I.L.F.)
So mom, this Mother's Day, I want to say thank you. Again. In case
you forgot since the last time I told you, I am sincerely grateful for
all you've done for me over the years.
Not that I've always been particularly appreciative.
I still remember how mad I was when you refused to extend my curfew
past 12:30 a.m. I was always the first one to leave the party, but in
retrospect, you did the right thing. Sure, the early cut-off had me
resenting you for the majority of my high school years, but you were
right: not much good ever happens after midnight.
And thanks for taking the time to follow-up with my friends' parents
to make sure my alibis always checked out, too. Granted, they usually
did - but only because I knew you'd find out if I fibbed. It kept me
fuming, but honest.
When I acted like an irresponsible child, you somehow managed to
treat me like an adult. You were usually far more rational than I was,
though at the time I was convinced of the opposite.
Being my mother was anything but easy. I was a grumpy, self-absorbed
and rude teenager. Anyone who lived under the same roof as my
adolescent self deserves a medal - but you rarely let my unpredictable
mood swings stop you from anything. Through it all, you demonstrated
the truth that is behind the philosophy, "a mother's love is
unconditional." Though I don't know how you did it, you never lost
faith in me. Thanks, ma.
I used to think you just didn't get me, but now I realize you always
got me, totally and completely. That's why I couldn't stand you - 90%
of the time, you knew what I was thinking and were able to stop my
trouble-making before I had a chance to get started. You busted me for
things I didn't even do, which I still find incredibly impressive. Way
to nip those problems in the bud.
You were never afraid to be the bad guy, to put your foot down, or to
teach me a hard lesson. Having such a strong mother was terribly
frustrating at times, but it also was exactly what I needed. I think
the world could use more moms like you.
Despite all of our blow-outs, my mother is now one of my closest
friends. She is an incredible source of support that is always there
for me. My mom's my rock, and always has been. It just took me a while
to realize it.
Thanks for everything, mom. Happy Mother's Day.
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