I know that without a doubt, there are going to be MANY posts like this today.  Today is Mother’s Day and I’m not able to see my mom in person, so this is the next best thing.  You see, unlike flowers or chocolates, this will last a lifetime.  Seems fitting since that’s what she has dedicated to me, my brother and two sisters.  I’m not forgetting Dad, but today is Mom’s day and this post is about her!

Thanks for the confidence.  Thanks Mom, for the confidence you’ve instilled in me and the social skills I’ve gained because of that confidence.  You and Dad taught me the meaning of hard work and the rewards that come with it.  Rather than staying inside playing video games (I didn’t own a game system until college) or watching movies, you introduced me to other things that actually interacted with people, teaching me responsibility.  At the time, I’d rather have been playing Tetris, but I now know why you did what you did.  Thanks Mom.

Thanks for the kicks in the butt when I needed them the most.  As a teenager, I was quite the procrastinator (ok, maybe I still am) and I’m sure that drove you absolutely nuts.  You pushed me to finish what I started, no matter what.  It’s made me a better person, so thanks, Mom.

Thanks for letting me be myself.  No matter how weird that was (or is), you let me find my own way in life, choose my own friends (and yes, some are weird) and let my true personality shine.  That meant putting up with many competitive speech events, band concerts, plays and a healthy obsession with collecting Superman paraphernalia.

Thanks for being there.  With four kids, we have no idea how you were able to make the various band concerts, cheerleading competitions, speech and debate practices, 4-H meetings, etc.  You did, though.  You and Dad were always there, cheering us on.  Thank you.

I really wouldn’t be the man I am today without the love, kicks in the rear, and encouragement from you all these years.  Thanks for putting up with me for over 30 years.  You’ve been more of a superhero than you’ll ever know.

This post isn’t just about me, though.  I’ve asked my siblings, Whitney, Jordan and Karissa, to contribute to this as well.  Here are a few of their thank you’s:

Whitney: “Mom, thanks for raising us with manners and respect.  You always told me that I could do anything I wanted in life and that I was always the smartest kid in my grade.  🙂  Thanks for teaching me to be a good mom to my son.”

Jordan:  “Mom, thanks for all that you’ve done to help me find what I’m passionate about in life.  You’ve always told me, ‘do what you love and you’ll love what you do.’  I know that whatever I do, you’ll be there cheering me on, pushing me to be even better.  Don’t let my tough exterior fool you, I do appreciate all that you and Dad do for me.  Thanks for believing in me.”

Karissa: “I am blessed and thankful for so many things you’ve done for me over the years.  Not only have you been a great mom, but you’ve truly been my best friend.  When anything was ever hard or upsetting, I could always count on you to be there for me.  I hope that one day I will be a mom like you.”

Now, call your mom, grandmother, aunt..whoever has been the “mom” in your life and tell them how much you appreciate them.  Happy Mother’s Day!!