Here's to you, Mom

Today's Topic: Mother's Day

I still remember my first vivid memories of the time I spent with my mom. Because I was the baby in the family, Mom got to spend a lot of one on one time with me when I was little (seeing how my brother and sister were at school) I remember she used to crank up the volume on her record player when I was at home, and she used to pick me up and we would dance to Rod Stewart's "The Motown Song." I specifically remember this because when the chorus came on and she sang, "Echo to the alley down below," she would flip me over, my head would almost touch the floor and she'd pull me back up while I laughed hysterically. To this day, every single time I hear that song, I think of her, and my mind remembers those little moments when I was my mom's "special little guy." I also think her record player and the music she listened to had an enormous influence on my love for music, to this day.

That's the thing I think mother's are most known for; the influence they have on their children. It's human instinct to want to be able to guide someone or something in life, and mother's just seem to be a natural at it. Even when I was a typical smart ass teenager, the words "You're right, Mom" still tasted like vinegar coming out of my mouth. We have so much to be thankful for when it comes to mom's. Whether she lets you know with a hug, a kiss, an I love you, a home cooked meal, a day at the spa or just giving you a little pocket change "in case you need it," mom's just always seem to know the right thing to say and the right thing to do, every time.

I find in interesting to see the transition periods that mom's have with their children. In your younger years, it's the protection, the nurturing, the feeding, the clothing and the "rules" of the house. As we become teens, it's the driving, the questions, the late night "can you come pick me up?" calls, the first party, the first date preparations and the pains and struggles of trying to raise a teenager who already has the whole world figured out. And then before we hit 20 and when we begin life on our own, it's the sound advice they give you, the protection they still have, the questions are still there and the days that pass by when you have a sudden realization the impact they have had on you up to this point in your life. The one thing that never changes between a mother and their child is the love. Through thick and thin, through the best and the worst, when you are at your highest and your lowest points, mom's always have your back. They always believe your story and even when it's hard, no matter how bad you screw up, they can always look you in the eyes and still seem to be able to say, "I still love you." That's a bond stronger then any storm, thicker then any and deeper than any water on earth. When a teacher gets mad at you, mom is there to stick up for you. When you fall off your bike, mom is there to tell you to get back on. When you're little and throw a birthday party, mom is there to hand out the treat bags.       

A good friend summed up perfectly the role that mother's play in our lives today when he said: "Mothers are the greatest friends we have in this life. They carry us during pregnancy; they clean, feed, and clothe us when we're babies; they love, care, and guide us for as long as they live. Even when we're grown adults, whenever they get the chance, they cook us our favourite meals and always try to make sure we're eating properly. They think we're smarter than all the other kids even when we aren't. They think we're cuter than the other kids even when other people see things differently. Basically, they give us way more credit than we deserve in pretty much every aspect of life! Even when they're mad at you, there still isn't anyone else that has your back as much as your mom does. They show us more mercy than any other human being alive and all they ask for in return is love and respect. Don't let this be the only day you show love to your mom for being the best friend you'll have in this life." Brilliantly put, Anas.

I could go on and on until I am blue in the face talking about the vital role that mom's play in our life, but you still have the same result and can draw the same conclusion: mom's know best. Of course, we will never be able to thank them enough or do enough for them for the years of lessons and love that mom's give us, but it's important not only today, but every day; to cherish and remember when mom's have been there for you, no questions asked. That's just what they do. With my mom, all is takes is a hug and a kiss, and that is enough. It's simple and it's easy.

Whenever you're in doubt, and you wonder why mom does all those things for you when you don't even ask her to, remember this. As my mom says, when I ask "Why?", she answers with, "Because I'm your mom."

Enough said.