Dear Mom,
Today is Labor Day. A day when we celebrate the workforce and the value of hard work. I can’t help but think about child birth when I hear the word “labor.” Somehow, that always gets me thinking about my experience with having two kids of my own, but ultimately my thoughts go back to you, mom.
According to my Google research, you’ve changed around 25,000 diapers in your lifetime. Let’s not forget you’ve made at least 30,000 meals (not including snacks and options for the picky eaters). Over 10,220 times you have collapsed in your bed after putting us kids in ours. You’ve done all this and more, but technically you weren’t considered a member of the work force we are celebrating today.
As my daughter gets older, I realize more and more of what it takes to be a mom. I realize how annoying it must have been when night after night, I came into your bed because I couldn’t sleep. I realize how rude it was of me to whine, “We’re having (insert meal here) for dinner? Ugh.” I realize how frustrating it must have been when I asserted my independence and chose to do things that hurt us both in the process. I see now, even though others may not see it this way, you worked every day, as a mom.
You’ll always be the one who I think to text when one of my kids says something hilarious, when I need advice, or when I feel like my children might kill me. I know you’d hop on a plane and be here in a heartbeat if I need you here.
As you know, my husband and I have decided that my role, at this point in our family’s life, is to stay at home with our girls. Having you home every day meant the world to me growing up. I hope I can provide that same love and comfort for them as well. You and dad sacrificed a lot making the decision to have you at home, but I’m so glad you did. I know you aren’t perfect (no one expects you to be), but it was the perfect decision for our family.
Thank you for giving me more than any other person ever has given me (or will give me). I love and respect you more and more each day as I live life in the trenches of motherhood.
The deeper I get into it, the more I realize what a wonderful mother you are. You never turned me away. I knew I could come to you and be safe from whatever I was so worried about. You fed me (and my four siblings) every night, regardless of how bratty or annoying we had been. Most of all, you always loved us. I knew (and still know) that no matter what I do, you’ll always love me.
Now you’ve been promoted to grandma, and you are the best there is! You spoil our girls rotten and they know that grandma loves them. Just yesterday my two-year-old asked to “call grandma” because she knows you “love-a me too.” Regardless of your promotion, you’ll always be my mommy.
I don’t know how you did it (and still do it) mom, but I hope I can figure it out one day soon. You’re my biggest role model and also my biggest supporter. I’m sorry for anything I ever did that caused your mommy heart to hurt. I hope that I can make it up to you by raising my girls the best way I know how.
So on this Labor Day, I think of labor in terms of the work force AND in terms of laboring to bring a child into this world. But ultimately, I choose to celebrate your work done in the walls of our home, Mom. Thank you for doing the job that never ends.
You’ll never know how much I appreciate you!
Love,
One lucky daughter
Make sure you never miss out on a parenting or community-related blog post: sign up to receive CRMB posts in your inbox. While you’re at it, join our VIP List to ensure you’re one of the first to know about upcoming Cedar Rapids Moms Blog events and promotions!