MOTHER

Merriam-Webster defines the word Mother as: A female parent. A woman in authority; specifically: the superior of a religious community of women. An old or elderly woman. Maternal tenderness or affection.

The word, mother, means something different to all who say it. To some, it is simply a word. For others, a term of endearment. Some think of the person they yelled for when there was a monster lurking under the bed. It may cause others to reminisce of afternoons in the kitchen, baking cookies or bread. Some may think of their constant cheerleader - the person who made it to every game, recital, school assembly, competition, back-to-school night, talent show and was there when you got your braces off.

My mother is all those things and more. She is my best friend, my partner in crime, my example, my fashion critic (Okay, I'm her fashion critic...but she likes it. Promise), the person who takes care of me when I'm sick, my dance partner, my teacher, always there to hold my hand when I'm scared or nervous, there to wipe away my tears, the person I turn to after heartbreak (Silly boys), always patient with me at the piano, reminds me I can do anything but can always do more, a tender woman of charity and service, quick to give a hug or a smile and is by far one of the most fun people to be around.

The word, mother, will always stir up sweet memories of singing around the piano or laying in bed while Mother read stories in her sweet, calm voice. I'll always remember a very patient mother while shopping for prom/homecoming dresses...eventually buying a dress, only to have her alter it to my liking. (I went to six formal dances while in high school. That's a lot of sewing!) I think of late nights, when anything and everything is funny and we can't stop laughing. The word, mother, will always remind me of silly inside jokes or watching an old movie on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Yes, the word, mother, means many things to me. In fact, it is something I aspire to more than anything in this world. I feel so blessed that it has always been more than a word to me. It is a term makes me smile. When I think of my kind mother, I am happy. I am content. I am safe. I am home.

Love you, Mama.