My parent’s road was not an easy one. They married at 18 years young and had their first child in the same year, a bouncing baby boy who turned out to be their second favorite child. Nearly 4 years later, they would give birth to a baby girl, the apple of their eye, their whole reason for being, the best thing that has ever happened to them – me. If you believe that load of shit, stick around for more.

In reality, both my brother and I are their pride and joy. Probably. At least sometimes. We are both tied for first when it comes to being their favorite child and we are both tied for first when it comes to being their least favorite child, as I think is the case for all parents and their children since the beginning of time!!

My mother is the strongest woman I know. She started a family at a young age and she is the mightiest of the mighty gorilla glue that has held our family together. When we need a friend, she is there. When we need a confidant, she is there. When we need a kick in the ass, she is there. When we don’t think we need a thing, she knows better, and she is there. I would not be half the woman I am today without her. And I just wanted to take a minute today to thank her. For being everything that I ever need whenever I need it.

My mom and I have always had a special relationship. She is always my mother first, but she is also my greatest friend. She will tell you that I was not a difficult child. I was quiet, easily entertained and mostly happy. As I got older that, of course, changed a bit. But my mom was so cool, I never rebelled, I spent a ton of time with her and hell, even my friends may have preferred her company to my own. And now, as a grown woman, she would probably tell you that I am huge pain in the ass and she wishes she could go back to my much easier teen years. There are probably not many girl moms that have said that, but I like to think of myself as a particularly special case!!!

My mom is beautiful inside and out. She is devoted to her family and would do absolutely anything for my brother or me. She is kind and caring and the most selfless person I know. I have witnessed her sacrifice her own happiness for the well being of others far more times than I can count. She is so supportive of all my choices, even when she doesn’t necessarily agree with them. She is quick to offer guidance and a helping hand and is always willing to listen to my joys, sorrows, triumphs, failures and everything in between. She is nurturing and she is a hard ass. She is honest and one of the most loyal people I have ever known. She works hard, she is humble and she hates to be the center of attention. Her love is unconditional and she will kick your ass if you do anything to hurt one of her babies. Her looks can be lethal and her mom voice even more deadly. She is hilariously funny and extremely quick witted with a sharp tongue and a potty mouth (the fruit didn’t fall far from the tree there). My mom is wise and extremely generous. She never ends a conversation without telling me she loves me and her hugs are like a soothing balm to my soul.

I don’t know where I would be without my mother. She is my strength when I do not feel strong, she is my courage when I do not feel brave, she is my voice of reason when my voice has taken a dive (more like belly flop) off the deep end. She listens to everything I have to say. She tells me when I’m being stupid and she tells me when she thinks I’m amazing (which is obviously, like, a lot. Duh.). She is the best Mimi to my boys, always ready to lend a hand, always spoiling them rotten, always teaching them the things that I cannot.

Thank you, Mom, for being you and loving me so fiercely. Thank you for showing me how to be a mother and a friend. Thank you for allowing me to mess up and thank you for showing me how to rise up. You are incredible and I am beyond lucky and grateful that God chose you for me. You are my hero and I love you to the moon and back and more than that. And mighty much more again.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mama’s out there, but especially to mine. xoxo