A Mother's Review

If only there were a Hallmark card to describe my mom or to put into words how thankful I am for her. My mom is a rock for our family. She is a strong, decisive, take charge kind of woman. She knows what she wants out of life and she goes for it. I used to be embarrassed when she would be a little "bold" on phone calls to those not so bright customer service reps who may have charged her too much or sent her the wrong item. :) But the truth is, my mom has taught me to stand up for myself. To not take no for an answer, but also she's taught me how to say no when I'm just plum worn out.

My mom has been my nurse throughout my whole diagnosis period. There were times when I couldn't imagine getting out of bed just one more day in so much pain and my mom was always there saying, "You can do it!" Before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I researched doctors to go to and without hesitation, my mom said No questions asked, she was going with me. In my doctor's appointments, when I was even too tired to keep my eyes open, she was there with a tape recorder and pencil and notebook in hand. She literally was my ears, my eyes, my right hand and even my heart.

By the description above, you'd think my mom is hard pressed and deliberate and perhaps even a bit demanding - but amazingly my mom can be as strong willed as she is yet she is also the most compasionate woman I have honestly ever met. Not only did she raise three children, one of whom was MORE than a handful to raise (I'll let you guess which one), she also took in her newphew after a family tragedy. She and dad raised my cousin Lindsey as their own. Mom selflessly retired after nearly 15 years of teaching to be the caregiver for three family members whose health issues were more than a bit difficult to handle...this is not including the care and time that went into my monthly doctor's visit in Dallas! She is truly amazing! My mom's heart for missions keeps her in many states and in many countries, giving her money and her time and also her heart so that others may know God's love. How do you thank someone like that? There is no gift, no words to say just how much I appreciate her.

She truly is the picture of a great mother, wife, and friend. I love you, mom. Happy Mother's Day!