Mommy, (at 32, I don’t feel weird still calling you that)

As I sit here, reflecting on a lifetime of knowing you, being loved and nurtured by you, I am in such deep gratitude. Much more so now, since I’ve become a mother. I know you don’t think you did that great of a job, and you often say “you just came out like this,” but you had more hand in this than you think.

For as long as I can remember I have been in awe of you, you have always been my hero. From watching you shave your legs and the way you meticulously applied Lubriderm lotion head to toe after each shower. I remember how you would blow dry your hair, and spray Chanel #5 on your neck before getting dressed. I remember your perfect french manicure that felt so good when you would “tickle my back” before bed. I remember traveling internationally with you for work and watching you interact with clients, rock speaking engagements and build your business. I vividly remember eating pate and drinking sparkling water at your art openings hoping I looked as fancy as you did.

I have always watched you, and wanted to be like you. You are not only flawlessly beautiful on the outside (I still cannot believe you don’t wear makeup) but your insides are impeccable. Your ability to bring out the best in everyone you know is a quality I admire.

I know that my adolescence was tough for you and dad. I was rebellious, and “spirited,” and a very large handful. But, you never let me settle for mediocrity. Not in my boyfriends, my grades or my hairstyle. You always saw in me, what I couldn’t see in myself, and you never let me stop working until I got there. Yes, you were hard on me, and sometimes I felt like I just couldn’t live up to your expectations of me; but then I look at my life, and the curve balls it has thrown me. I’ve never faltered. I’ve never once thought, “I can’t do this.” I  see what I’ve accomplished, and my hat is off to you. I watched you build an empire from the ground up, while remaining a devoted wife and loving mother all while hooting and hollering for me from the front row of all of my talent shows. I learned from you.

You have always challenged me to look inward, remain accountable and never let me live a life that was “happening to me.” You have always encouraged me to MAKE LIFE HAPPEN. The way that you were able to also instill in me a loving, spiritual, faithful and compassionate soul is a feat in itself. I don’t feel like I turned out to be the “typical only child.” I am grounded, humble, hard working, and selfless…and when I’m not, you remind me. You’ve taught me how to be a fun, fabulous and fearless female! I still don’t think there isn’t anything I can’t do…although, I think my dreams of being the first woman in the NFL have come and gone.

Your unwavering strength and perseverance throughout your own life has been extraordinary to watch. You are the most AMAZING woman I know, with the purest heart. I hope I am ½ the mother you were and are to me, to my boy.

So, today, is about YOU. To celebrate what you’ve given me, and to remind you that you did AWESOME during your role as mommy, and you’re KILLING IT as grandma. There is NOT a greater joy than seeing how you love my son, and play and interact with him.  It is the purest of love, and it is so fun to watch.  Him and me are so very lucky to have your heart.

I am SO full of love towards you, my heart explodes!  Not only will you forever be my mommy, you will forever be my hero.

Happiest of Mothers Day to you,  to every mommy I know, and to the mothers that taught us to be so, as my mom would say, “bitchin.”