My mother

    
Today, instead of focusing on what I don't have, I've decided to focus on what I do. 

I may be biased, but I feel incredibly lucky to have one of the greatest moms on the planet.  I know, in large part, it is the wonderful example my mom set for me that has given me such a strong desire to be a mother myself.

My mom is the kind of mother who worked and went to school and became a vice president in her company and still, somehow cooked a healthy dinner for us every night.

She is the kind of mother who sent me Easter baskets in the mail every year, well into my thirties.

She  is the kind of mother who bought her clothes at garage sales and Goodwill, so she could provide more for her family.  

She is the kind of mother who taught me that there is good in everyone.  Sometimes it's just a matter of finding it.

She is the kind of mother who experienced the pain of infertility and responded by becoming a foster parent to a special needs child, who is now my little brother.

She is the kind of mother who taught me that it really is possible to be happily married for 48 years.

She is the kind of mother who comes for a visit and spends the day weeding my yard while I'm at work.

She is the kind of mother who taught me to do unto others.  And actually practiced what she preached.

She is the kind of mother who spends 6 weeks every year living in a trailer and doing volunteer disaster relief.
 
She is the kind of mother who taught me to never, ever to look down on anyone because of their circumstances, or to judge anyone before you've walked a mile in their shoes.

I am in awe of her.

But as much as it humbles me to think about living up to that example, I know I have to try.