To My Mom.

Ah, Mother's Day.  The one day a year dedicated to making the most important people on the planet feel as loved as they should all year round.  Now that I'm a mother x 2, this little holiday means more than ever to me.  I am thankful beyond words for my mom.  Growing up, I always got along with my mom.  She was always my friend.  She always made me laugh, helped me with everything, provided honesty, encouragement and endless amounts of love.  I am the luckiest to be her daughter.

To My Mom. 

Mom, you have always been a friend to me.  I have always enjoyed your company, and I do today more than ever!  I think I get even more excited than my kids do when you come over :)

I remember our "Slip Parties" that took place in your bedroom as a little girl, when you would invite me and Karla pick out pretty nighties and play dress up.  We would paint our nails, put on make-up, powder our bodies.  I loved it.  It was special.

I remember after being placed a terrible 3rd grade class, that you made damn sure I was placed in the best 4th grade class offered at my school.  It's no wonder 4th grade was my favorite grade in elementary school. 

I remember in 7th grade, you took me out of school early every Thursday afternoon so we could take a painting class together.  I can't remember what we used as my excuse from school, but I felt so special during this time, and I would love to do something like this with Lucca someday.

In high school, I remember going shopping with you on (probably way too many) Sunday afternoons.  I so vividly remember the Nordstrom dressing rooms at the Arden Fair Mall, me trying on clothes and you sitting there on the chair helping me choose our favorites.  I loved and still love shopping with you.

I remember the summer after my Junior year in college when I took a summer job in West LA.  I commuted over an hour each way, a couple mornings a week and I hated it.  Hated my boss, hated LA, hated my apartment and just wanted to be home.  All it took was one phone call home to my mommy before I packed up all my things, without stopping to even quit my job first, and moved back home for summer.  Probably not my best professional move, but I am so grateful for that last summer living at home.

Somehow, that last summer at home was 11 years ago.  (!!!)   Since then, I've somehow become a real grown-up.  I've had a career, got married, bought my 1st house, had two babies, and have become a real adult.  And every step along the way, I remember you being a big part of it.  You always helped me move to whatever city my next job was in, you helped me plan (and payed for!) the wedding of my dreams, you decorated my condo in San Francisco while we were in Italy, you witnessed the birth of my two children.  Every great memory and milestone I've had, includes my Mom.  And I love that.

Now that I have my own kids, I often find myself asking, how would my mom do it?  What would Mom tell Lucca?  How would Mom have responded?   What would Mom think of this?    Thank you Mom for being the kind of mother I hope to be to my own children.  Thank you for being there for every moment that has mattered.  Thank you for providing the very best example of strength, beauty, support and love.  You are an inspiration to me as a woman, as a wife, and as a Mother.

I love you so much, Mom.  Happy Mother's Day!