Dear Mom

Thank you, Mom, for staying with my Dad even when it looked like he was a lost cause. I am blessed to say my parents are still together after 29 years.

Thank you, Mom, for staying at home with us even though the extra money would have been nice.

Thank you, Mom, for taking me to Busch Gardens despite the fact that I broke out in chicken pox the same morning.

Thank you, Mom, for shuttling me to a million dance classes, recitals and performances even though you knew I wouldn't use a lick of it as an adult.

Thank you, Mom, for letting me quit piano to take more dance lessons, even though you knew I would regret it later in life.

Thank you, Mom, for holding down the fort while Dad served our country overseas. You are every bit the hero that he is, too.

Thank you, Mom, for teaching me that coffee is best drunk black and by the pot.

Thank you, Mom, for letting me run away to college even though it hurt your heart to see me go. It was the best four years of my life.

Thank you, Mom, for not protesting when I said I was getting married at the tender age of 22. It was the best thing I ever did.

Thank you, Mom, for always sending birthday cards late; it makes me feel not so bad about having your birthday card from February in a drawer in my kitchen.

Thank you, Mom, for always picking up the phone to listen, whether I am laughing, crying, celebrating or whining.

Thank you, Mom, for being not only my mother, but for becoming my friend.