Happy Mother’s Day!  I am honored to have such a wonderful mother who has supported me through countless loads of laundry, six years of higher education, seven dorm rooms to move into, two degrees, dozens of cities to see me play sports in, and helped me get my first ever job which propelled me into the library profession.

You’ve always been my number one cheerleader.  You’ve taught me that honesty is the best policy.  You made me fight my own battles, and realize what is worth fighting for in the long run.  You are my hero.

Above all, you and Dad have always shown me that stereotypes are useless.  Neither of you regaled “chores” to one specific gender.  Your marriage and raising of us three girls has always been a partnership.  While I was never an easy child to raise (sorry!), you never gave up on me.  You fought for my education, you fought for my happiness, and you fought for me to continue on, even when it seemed impossible.

I used to think being compared to you was the worst thing possible.  Sorry I was an extremely difficult teenager.  Now, I embrace the similarities.  Except, I will never skim books like you do.  I cannot take on that trait of yours, no matter what.

You are beautiful, strong, and amazing.  Thanks for the tissues when I’ve cried, the band-aids when I’ve fallen, and the money when I’ve been broke.  Every little thing has been appreciated, even if I didn’t say it at the time.  But here I am, wiser now, thanking you for it all.