Mom

This one is for my mom.

Hey, Mom. I'm sorry I couldn't be there this Mother's Day. I know how much this day means to you. I know how much being a mom means to you. I know how much you love being a mom. I just wanted to say thanks.

I spent all day today asking people what they did for their mom for Mother's Day. I spent all day unable to shake the feeling that I'm being a bad son for being absent for not only your birthday, but also Mother's Day. Regardless, I hope you have a wonderful day.

You've been the best mom I could ask for and I know it hasn't been easy. I know it's probably been one of the hardest things you've ever done, raising me. I know I haven't always been the easiest child in the world. I know I've probably put you through a lot and am the cause of a few grey hairs. But I wanted to say thanks, thanks for sticking with it and not giving up on me. Thanks for doing the very best that you could, through the easy times and the difficult ones. Thanks for not giving up on me and for showing me unconditional love and support through all of my years and endeavors. Thank you for bringing me into the kitchen at such a young age and teaching me that there is no such thing as too much chocolate. Thank you for driving hours and hours to go to my soccer games. Thank you for putting up with years of me playing drums upstairs that shook the house and could be heard down the street. Thank you for helping me with so much school work. Thank you for listening to me read you all those countless pages and stories. Thank you for helping me to become such a good editor. Thank you for supporting me when I started fighting. Thank you for coming to my first fight. That actually meant a lot. Thank you for teaching me so many invaluable lessons. Thank you for ingraining so many good habits and qualities that I don't even think about on a day-to-day basis. Thank you for not getting mad when I started getting tattoos or when I pierced my nose. Thank you for always looking out for me and always having my best interest in mind.

Thank you for being so supportive of me chasing my dreams.

Thank you for being so supportive, in every way, when I told you I was moving 9,000 miles away for half a year.

Thank you for never trying to hold me back.

I've told complete strangers how good of a mom you have been to me. I am so grateful, lucky, and blessed to have you as my mom. Despite what anyone else may think, I think you've done an incredible job raising me. So, thank you for everything. Thank you for all of the things I didn't mention. You are such an inspiration in so many ways. Thank you for being such a good mom to me. Thank you for being my mom. I love you.




Now, this post was going to be all about MY mom, but there are definitely some other moms in my life that deserve some recognition.

Momoo
You obviously did a great job raising my mother. You should be very, very proud. Thank you for always being such a huge cheerleader and supporter of me and my endeavors. I've always known that you have loved me and I count myself lucky to be one of your grandchildren. Thank you so much for keeping in touch with me over the years and over the oceans. Thank you for all the beautiful memories that you have helped me create.

Jen
You have been a second mother to me for years and helped me through so much. I've always known that I could turn to you and tell you anything. You've given me some incredible advice over the years and helped me sort through some of my most troubled times. It seems that we are always discovering new quirks and similarities that make us wonder if, in some way, we are, indeed, related. I've always felt like a bit of an older brother to your kids and have always valued having you in my life. Thank you for everything you've done for me and all the things you've helped me with.

Megan
You have shown me motherhood in a whole new light than I ever imagined it. You have displayed a love for your children which I cannot fathom and have made me realize that there are new depths and aspects of love which I may never know. You have shown me that love overcomes doubt and trials. You have shown me that love perseveres and presses on through the most difficult of circumstances. You have shown me that in the end, love wins. Thank you.

Mandie
If I were home, I would have sneaked into your house this morning and left you a dozen tulips on your kitchen table. You have been one of my best friends over the past few years and proven that being a mother takes a kind of love that isn't always easy. But you've shown me that love is relentless. I know the love you have for your daughter is beyond words. I know it is strong, and it know it endures. Thank you for being there for me in so many ways, in so many circumstances, so many times. You're the best. Happy Mother's Day.


I'm excited to go to bed because I know when I wake up, I'll get to Skype my mom and tell her happy Mother's Day. Six weeks until I see my parents in Melbourne. I can't wait.

To all the mothers in my life, I give you a standing ovation for the lives you live and the depth of love and dedication which you possess. You amaze me. Happy Mother's Day to all of you.

And for the rest of you reading this, make sure you tell your moms you love them. This is their day.

Love you, Mom
~Your son