Mom's Rule

So, this picture represents the things that remind me of mothers most. My own amazing mother, and the one who made me a mother. I also love the way my mom is hugging Sally. Love is the key word here.

The Radiohead show I went to the other night was absolutely amazing. Seriously, phenomenal. However, it pales in comparison with the amazingness that is my mom. As I make my own journey into motherhood, the more I appreciate just how awesome a mom she is. My mom was and is so involved in my life. She went to every lesson, practiced with me every day, coached every team I was on, and was a room mother in every class. I always have known that she loved me, even when I was not acting very lovable. She always shows such admirable qualities. She is strong. Her body, mind and spirit, are all strong, strong, strong. She is always fun to be with. She has a great sense of humor and is very easy to talk to. Today, I can say that she is my best friend. I talk to her daily and can ask her advice or just enjoy a laugh.

I'll share just a couple of mom stories. When I was young, we decorated some matching shirts with paint and the like. They said M and Em on them, and had each of our hand prints on them. When she tried hers on, she realized the hand prints went right on each of her boobs. She didn't really want to wear the shirt out, but could see how much I wanted to. She wore it to a full day of Suzuki Institute. That's love.

One time, we went to the Peace Gardens in SLC. It was a lovely day, and there was a man made pond in one of the gardens. My mom wanted to dip her feet in. She took off her shoes and stepped in. One step, then two. Then, a little slide. The pond was apparently bowl shaped and very slick on the bottom with algae or something. She slid right down into the very center of the pond. She stood up, sopping wet, and turned her purse upside down to drain out the water. While she was doing that, a sprinkler came around and sprayed her even more. There have been few times I've laughed so hard. Not at you, mom, of course, with you.

So, about 19 months ago, my mom came out for the birth of little Sally Rose. Before I went into labor, I wasn't sure how I wanted things to be, or who I wanted to be there. As it turns out, I couldn't have asked for a better support team. When I saw my mom come through the hospital doors, I was SO relieved to see her. She and Bill talked me through every contraction, held my hand and saw me at my most vulnerable ( in every way). When it came time to push, they each held one of my legs and helped talk me through the pushing. Sally came, and the joy was immense and immediate. The day was the craziest day I've ever had. I became a mother. I am so grateful I was able to share that with my own mom.

This brings me to writing about being a mom myself. I was and am still surprised at the love I immediately felt for Sally Rose. It's a different love that I don't think you experience outside of motherhood. Life suddenly meant so much more. I wanted to be better. I wanted the world to be better, and because she was in it, it was. She continues to bring me so much joy. From spontaneous hugs to courtesy laughs to stacking blocks. New words and understanding. Real laughs and real love. I ADORE being a mother and can't wait to become one times two- just about half way there! Now, I need to enjoy this time I have with Sally as the only child. I know this is precious time. I love her so much. I love her SO much.