Ode to Momma

This is an ode to my beautiful and fabulous mother, Patti :)

Everyone loves my Mom. She's truly a one-of-a-kind, mostly known for her contagious laughter and love for naughty humor. She specializes in hugs, laughing til you cry, living it up, and being 100% authentic. Oh, Mom... what would I do without you?

I have very creative parents and believe I got a lot of my artistic expression from them. My mom is amazing at scrapbooking, decorating, and photography. She has taught elementary students for over twenty years working with emotionally disturbed children. She takes pride in her work and education, and she's never stopped telling me to go for my dreams. 

I decided to go back to school partly because she was always pushing for it, not in a bad way, but because she knew how badly I wanted to go back and never let me forget. She doesn't even care that it's not a high end university or that it's only for my Associate's... she is proud of me no matter what. 

She has the kindest spirit, is always willing to help others, and actively seeks out the good in life. She travels regularly and is constantly looking forward to her next adventure. "YOLO!" is one of her favorite sayings! (You Only Live Once!)

Unlike me, who finds comfort in my introversion, she is a total extrovert. She can strike up a conversation with anyone and easily makes lifelong friends. She values every person in her life as if they were family. She keeps friends for years and years without losing touch, always making efforts to make plans. I love that she's never afraid to be herself or dance to the beat of her own drum... that's why she probably won't mind that I post this photo, right Mom? :)

On a more serious note, my parents got divorced in January 2011 after 27 years of marriage. It was a really rough time for our family, and although the whole thing breaks my heart and I wish things were different, she has managed to stay strong, enjoy life, and continue to laugh. I know some days are harder than others, but she seems to find a way to celebrate the every day, a quality of hers I'm always inspired by. 

Not to mention, she's the best Nana out there! Even with the 2,000 mile distance she still manages to call, visit, and be present in their lives. This is my little niece and nephew by the way... cuties!!!!

Thank goodness for unlimited minutes. She listens to me complain on my bad days and boast on my best. She may want to tell me how to live my life better, but she always stands by quietly offering humble advice, letting me learn for myself and never judging me for my mistakes. 

It's not easy being so far away from family... it's heartbreaking, really. I would love nothing more than to take my Mom out to her favorite restaurant tonight and buy her a drink, or at the very least just give her a hug. I wish I could be there in person to thank her for all the years she's spent being the best mother I could ever ask for.

It makes me emotional having to put into words my appreciation for her support. You may have seen her commenting around here... she reads every post and dreams big for me, just as I dream big for her. All I know is that without her in my life I wouldn't be where I am today, and for that I will always be grateful.

I love you so, so much, Momma!!

To all the readers who are Moms, Grandmothers, and Mothers-to-be,

Happy Mother's Day!!!