“Because I am the Mom!”

That is the phrase I promised myself I would never say.  I knew she was the Mom – never questioned it.  I never understood how it had relevance in whatever conversation we were having.  I have said it once with each of my children out of total exasperation – needing to have the last word in a conversation and put my foot down, that the decision was final.  Only with one child did I need to apologetically explain myself in no uncertain terms that if she should ever doubt that fact again and the authority that comes with it - she would force me to repeat it.

Because I am the Mom
I get to carry a new life for 9 months.  I get the privilege of learning the heart of another human far before they can fully understand it themselves.  I am blessed by the laughter and chaos of children that fill my home and request special things to eat at the most in opportune times of the day.

Because I am the Mom
I am called for relational advice. I am called on in the middle of the night when life doesn’t make sense.  I am their nurse and taxi driver, drivers ed teacher, event planner, calendar keeper, cook, baker, teacher, financial counselor, bank, guidance counselor, Sunday school teacher, music teacher, coach, art teacher, interior decorator, landscaper, truant officer, advocate, prayer warrior and keeper of all secrets.

Because I am the Mom
I have sleepless nights.  I have a facebook page, Instagram and snap chat.  I refuse to be a twit on twitter.  I know more about the stress teenagers face than I want them to experience. I understand the importance of graduation parties – empty beds, empty parking spots and an empty fridge.  I never knew how much I would like to clean dirty floors, clothes and dishes if it meant the house was full of kids and their friends. I am blessed by their small successes as young adults and for skype and the dreaded technology that invaded my home.

Because I am the Mom
I know that I am not perfect but He works all things together for those that love Him.  I know that we won’t always share a home but there is a place in my Father’s house where we will all meet.  I know that what I have isn’t always enough to match what I so much want to give.  I know how very much I loved them from the moment I knew they were to be but I know He loves them more.  This I know and show them daily –

Because she is my Mom.
You will know she is mine because of the dimples in my cheeks, my beautiful hands and nails, how my face turns red for no reason whatsoever and because I cry when I am angry and when I love so much.

Because I am A Mom
I find strength in time spent with other Mom’s.  My sisters and cousins are top of the list and my truest friends.  We share trials, joys and all that is in between.  I know how to be a friend and have the courage to stand firm because I know no matter what they love me, truly.  I have learned how to walk, talk, think, laugh and grow by watching and listening to my Grandmothers.  To each of these Mom’s I attribute my talents, ailments, tastes and choices - Some of it is DNA and some comes from their mother’s heart.