A Day for Moms

Although I wasn't planning on it at the time and I wasn't ready for it, I can't deny that motherhood has been the greatest gift. Ever.

Through the ups and downs and all arounds, it has grounded me... reminding me sometimes to just grow up... and other times to remember to have fun and be a kid again. What a constant mix of surprises and blessings! And yes, I am saying this with a teenager in the house. Ha.

Today Carter granted my one Mother's Day wish -- to have a photo taken with him WITHOUT his hand or a glove or his baritone in front of his face!

 First, he's all serious and I'm laughing. "Carter, just pretend to enjoy this. For ONE minute!"

That's better! Oh boy, I knew he was getting taller but not until I saw this picture did I realize how MUCH taller he is than me. Wow. Love every inch of my sweet angel!

I feel blessed that at this point in life, I can enjoy Mother's Day as a mom and have my mother still around to share wishes with. She may not think so, but she is an amazing woman. Yesterday, as she has for the past several years, she participated in the Cancer Walk in Luck. And she participates big time.

My mom lost her dad and a sister to cancer, so this cause is very important to her. Prior to the event, she sends out about 200 letters asking for donations for the cause. This year (for the second year in a row) she was the top individual fund raiser, bringing in more than $3,100 on her very own to help fight cancer.

She even walked almost a mile, too, which is pretty good for an 81-year-old woman with osteoporosis and, oh, plenty on her mind these days with my dad's situation. Of course, Mom says she could have walked further but she hadn't had her morning coffee yet! Yep, I'm not the only woman in the family who likes a challenge!

This year I feel especially blessed to have her -- and I told her so. One of my dear friends of more than 20 years lost her mom this weekend. How sad to be spending Mother's Day with your siblings planning your mother's funeral. My heart breaks for them! This is the friend and mom who "adopted" me into their family when I had my first newspaper job in Marinette -- some 6 or 7 hours from home. I spent many holidays with my "family" there. What a generous woman! I feel blessed to have known her and share a part of my life with her.

I think we all know a mom like that. And she may be in your mirror! Don't forget to treat her right.

Happy Mother's Day to moms, stepmoms, foster moms and grandmoms!!