Dear Mom, on Mother's Day:

It would have been nice if I had gotten it together and bought you a Hallmark card for the occasion, but I didn't. And even if I had, I might not know where I put it. I might've forgotten to sign it and give it to you. I might find it next month. After all, I'm a chip off the old block.

And I can't imagine any block I'd rather be chipped from than yours. You of primary school car-rider line fame. You the library lady. Famous in Publix checkout lanes - both from your celebrity with the under-7 set and your popularity with all the checkers and baggers. You of bread-making and seamstressing legend. You of Sunday afternoon paper and ice cream from a coffee mug. You of never planning and always flying by the seat of your pants and almost always landing on your feet. You of never being too old to want to ask me how you look in the morning before you leave for work. You who taught me the bliss of the first cup of morning coffee and that anything eaten in tiny, tiny "slivers" does not contribute to your daily caloric intake.

And who taught me other things. Essential things. Like the importance of kindness and never being too busy (or think yourself too important) to offer a smile or a pleasantry. Like the willingness to be behind the scenes, to work for the greater good, to be the one who does the thankless and the unnoticed. Like the perspective needed to make it through this old world, to be grateful for blessings, acknowledge trials and be hopeful for tomorrow. Like to believe, to have faith, to find peace, to pray.

You have never liked recognition - whether because your modesty keeps you from it or your humility keeps you from feeling that you deserve it or your contentment with being behind the scenes keeps you from really needing it. But it's Mother's Day, which is cause for celebrating the one who brought me into this world, shepherded me through it and continues to stand beside me on good days and bad. So, Happy Mother's Day, Mom. You are the best.

Love,
Ashley