Fifty-three years ago an amazing woman gave up life as she knew it, to welcome me into the world.  I came at a time in her life when she was on the edge of blossoming into her own womanhood; at the start of figuring out who she was, what she wanted to do with her life, and where she might want to adventure to. My conception interrupted any solo dreams she may have had, turned it down a different road, changed her life forever. It would take me years to fully understand the sacrifice she made at that time. Now, as a mother of two amazing young people, I am awed and humbled by her courage, love, and pure grace.

I continue to be inspired by her, blessed to have her in my life, to laugh, cry, and share heartfelt moments. As I listen to my own daughter sing at the top of her lungs while I type, I smile at all the years my mom listened to me. Patiently and lovingly she let me be me, especially in my own room where I cranked up the volume on my record player to full max.

Our journey has not always been cozy and full of loving snuggles. On the contrary actually, there were years that we did not get along at all. As the eldest of four (only child til I was 9, then…), living in the middle of no where, with no close neighbors, I became her right hand “person”.  As I look back through the looking glass I smile at the woman I see, for she role modeled such strength, compassion, and love in ways beyond my understanding at the time. When I determinedly decided I wanted to be an exchange student in High School, she stood behind me ALL the way, she stood up against the naysayers with me, selfishly doing whatever it took to help me make it happen. When applying to the college I wanted to go to, she was the one to sit at the typewriter and type out the essays I had written. She stood by my side when others said, “It’s too expensive”, “You should go somewhere in state..”.

I watched this incredible woman raise three children on her own after my parents divorced. She put them first, sacrificing always, so they could have and do what they wanted. I marveled at how she could keep it all together. Support them with unconditional love and encourage every dream they expressed. I loved how she journeyed this path authentically and humbly – never giving up, no matter how hard it became.

Then at sixty she ignited a dream tucked beneath years of raising children, to work for Colonial Williamsburg. At an age and time when most people just “accept” life as it is, she rallied courage, determination, faith, and self-love. She went for it and DID IT!! Amazingly ten plus years laters, she is still there, greeting and welcoming people into the historical experience of Colonial Williamsburg. This powerful role modeling that dreams can come true no matter your age or place in life, continues to inspire and awe me.

Through all the years, through all the challenges, she has always been there for me, letting me navigate my path without judgment. Being there to encourage and support me when I fall down. Loving me and all my crazy wild dreams. My two children love sharing time with their grandma, for she gets them, she loves them for exactly who they are..!! I wish for every child such love. My mom has become one of my dearest friends, a woman who inspires me every day, who is my nonjudgmental safe place to be me.

Mom, there truly are no words to say thank, you are a divine gift in my life. I am grateful for the hard times between us, for they have enriched and deepened our relationship. It is easy to love when all is smooth and effortless, it is the bumps, the challenges, the struggles which really create a relationship that can withstand the storms. I am so proud to be your daughter. I kneel in humble gratitude for all that you have sacrificed and given to raise me into the woman I am today.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom!! May we have years and years and years to play, laugh, cry, dance, explore and adventure together. In sincere love, your wild at heart daughter <3. I close with this song for you and all mothers (click the word below).

Mama…