{thankful vol. 5} the mamma

25 years ago, at around 10:15am, I was born. 

And even though I'm pretty excited that it's my birthday, I'm humbled by the love of my mother and am thankful for everything she has done for me.  Not only did she bring me into the world, she has taught me some of life's most important lessons.  

For example: When you live in a one bedroom apartment with your 4 year old daughter, it's perfectly okay to pull out all of the old sheets and stuffed animals and make a tent between the two beds, and then sleep in the tent.  

My mom is notorious for her "Beckyisms" (well, that's just the name that I created for them)! She always has a saying for something.  Here are a few of my favorites:

"It's an EGBOK" = Everything's Going to Be OK!

"And this too shall pass"

"Blessed are those who expect nothing"

"That's my favorite four letter F word!" = FREE

"That's the bad F word" = FAT

"That's my favorite 3 letter F word" = FUN

(She sure does like F words!)

Strolling around Central Park in 2007

She is commonly mistaken as my older sister, and always gets a thrill out of it.  I have always wanted a big sister.  When I was younger I had dreams of Kelly Kapowski being my big sister as we drives around town with a convertible car.  Oh, thank you Saved By The Bell.  

Sometimes when I try to put into words how my I love my mom, I just get all teary-eyed.  My mom and I have been through everything.  She is my rock, my foundation, my big sister, my words of wisdom, my de-stresser, my therapist, my best friend.  There are no words to describe the bond that we share.  Even as I write this I am getting a little weepy.   She has healed colds, taken care of me during three surgeries, and even drove 5.5 hours to come pick me up after getting my wisdom teeth pulled out just to drive 5.5 hours back home with my in tow.  

I hope that when I become a mother I will be half as good as she is.  I hope that my children will love me unconditionally.  I hope that I will be able to kiss away all of their wounds, both physical and emotional.  I hope that they will trust me no matter what and feel comfortable to tell me anything.  I hope that they lavish the nights where they can crawl in bed with me so that I can give them just the right back rub.  I hope that when they're having a bad day I can use a "Jamie-ism" to turn their frown upside down.  I hope they see my strengths and not just my weaknesses.  I hope that they will know that their grandmother is the one to thank, as she raised me and made me beautiful-inside and out.

I love you Mamma!!!!