How Do I Love Thee?

I certainly know I've given my mom a tough time on this blog once or twice. Or twelve. At least. I've complained about her...I've complained about our relationship.

And here I am, days away from taking a week long trip to England with her. Sharing a room. Being together 24-7. For her very first trip outside the country. Happy Mother's Day and Happy Birthday all in one (she turns 65 this week...)

AND...she is still having trouble with the recent loss of her mom, and honored the one year anniversary of her dad's death. AND...she just learned that her company will be closing its doors, causing her to retire a bit sooner than she planned. She is definitely experiencing a low.


Our trip together could be a disaster if I don't get myself in the right frame of mind. I need to stay in a place of compassion. I need to remember what I love about my mom.

So here it goes. Me...counting the ways I love her.

1. She has built a solid marriage with my dad. Which meant that I grew up in a family where I never, ever, ever doubted loyalty. Rock solid.

2. She always worked hard to make sure we kids had what we needed. Though I was never spoiled, I had more than enough of what I needed.

3. Even though finances were often tight- she gave me "extras" throughout my childhood. She felt it helped me to discover my talents, my passions. I took dance lessons, music lessons, went to girl scout camp, entered baton twirling competitions, played softball...whatever the interest of the moment.

4. My mom was the key to making sure we took family vacations every year, no matter what. While we were limited to road trips, she always found fun, new places for us to go.

5. I have amazing and magical memories of Christmas. This is due primarily to my mother's devotion to the holiday, and all the work it would take to make it special.

6. I love the relationship I have with my brothers. I think they are pretty amazing. And my mom raised each of them.

7. My mother was one of the key people that taught me early that I could do anything that any man could. Though she would preface things with comments like "It's a man's world", somehow she made it very clear to me that I could still excel in that world.

8. She bakes. Enough said about that.

9. I love that she is young at heart. She likes to have fun and try new activities. Even though she is not big on change or risk...she still manages to keep "play" as a big part of her life.

10. OK...I've got to admit, I also love that she has some good genes. She has always looked younger than her years, and I am so glad that I resemble her.


Whew. There. I was a little nervous I wouldn't be able to come up with 10. I'll have to keep this Top 10 list in my purse as I travel...