Appreciating Mom - More and More

Was your mom the coolest mom on the block? Mother of the Year, every year? Admit it, she continues to inspire you with wisdom and patience you would not have believed possible without her example. As we move thru our lives and become parents ourselves, we appreciate our moms more and more.

Moms are funny, though. There's a saying, "Only your mother can truly embarrass you." I'd say that's pretty much true. At least in our family. I can embarrass my 13 year old daughter, Rachel, without even trying. Especially since I work at her school. It's not that I try. Not hard, anyway. Much of the time, it's simply that I'm there, being cool. Or what I think is cool. Maybe that's why she's embarrassed.

Remember, Rachel is 13. Most of the time she doesn't want me to know she likes me. She recently took a trip to another state with her grandparents. We spoke on the phone the day after she left, and she actually told me she loved me and missed me. That was a rare treat, and it got me to thinking... I'm sure Rachel loves me. She might even think I'm cool. She just doesn't say so very often and when she did, it sure felt good. Does my mom know how I feel about her?

When was the last time you told your mother, or your stepmother, if you have one, how much you appreciate her contribution in your life? Are you sure she knows how much you appreciate her? It's so easy to get caught up in everyday life and fail to do the things that really matter.

Have you told your mom how much she means to you lately? Better yet, have you told her in writing? You know how moms are ?we keep everything our kids make for us ?no matter how old they are when they make it.