Ode to Moms Everywhere

I know Mother's Day was on Sunday, and yes I did call to thank my amazing Mom for all that she is and has done for me.  However today has got me thinking, thinking a lot about moms.  They never have and probably never will get the credit they deserve.  This is one of my many Soapbox topics, I get riled up real fast whenever someone denotes mothers (the whole Ann Romney fiasco...GRrrr) but I will try and stay calm through all of this.  Hopefully.  I hope moms and women in general will get the credit from those who love them, the fathers, the husbands, the brothers, the friends, the daughters, the sons, whose lives they touch. 

WARNING: This could get cheesy fast. But I know no other way to do this justice but with some aged, stinky, oozing, cheese!  Besides we all secretly love it, even if it is DEEP deep down. I know some pretty incredible women who have influenced my life and whether or not they are an actual mother, they have taught me what it means to be a mother.

These women have taught me that to be a mother means to sacrifice for those you love.  They sacrifice time, sleep, social lives, recognition, nice clothes (oh sweet sticky kisses and boogies being wiped on you), sanity, their own wants (I'm pretty sure no mom ever really wants to play Candyland everyday), vacations, I could go on and on.  I have seen a mother work all day at her job, come home to play with her kids tirelessly, put them to bed after reading way too many stories, and then staying up into the wee hours to do more work to pay for their future college educations.

They have taught me to stand up for myself and for lost causes.  They have taught me to never give up and to never lose sight of my dreams.  They have taught me to listen, from the distant cry of a bad dream to venting about getting pooped on by a bird.  (Yes, I had my first experience with this two weeks ago, thank you Seattle and your million Seagulls in residence.)  These women have taught me what it means to have faith, faith in God and faith in their families.  They have taught me patience even when I am pretty sure internally they are screaming, ranting, and ready to do some serious damage but externally they are calm as a pond.  These women have taught me how to cry, laugh, and do them simultaneously, whether over an embarrassing experience, heartache, or a cheesy movie.  They have taught me how to carry on, regardless of what life has thrown at them and when they needed the most help instead looking to help others. 

I could go on and never be finished with what I have learned and continue to learn.  Needless to say these women are incredible and they should be proud of what they have accomplished.  They are doctors, psychologists, sisters, referees, teachers, daughters, students, mentors, friends, law enforcement, saints, chauffeurs, acrobats, lovers, and volunteers, only they can't put these on their resumes.  They have the best credentials possible and I wish I could thank them all and give them the recognition that they deserve.  This cheese ball blog will have to do instead.  I love you all and thank you.