Special.

What have I been up to? Oh, you know. Eating Oreos and googling. Occasionally I’ll make a pan of lasagna or head over to the gym. It’s a pretty tame life, I’m not complaining. 

My mom turned 50 this week (02/04) and I am going home this weekend to celebrate with her. A few things I should mention about my mom before I go into how rocking her birthday party (which she doesn’t know about) is going to be:

My mom is the most admirable woman I know. I realize that I mention her a lot, but she is honestly a most spectacular lady that would literally do anything for my dad, myself, or any of my siblings in a heartbeat, be it pack my brother a bologna sandwich for lunch, overnight me a package at a moment’s notice, make me a vegetarian dinner, fix my pants, or wash my sheets. These things sound so minute, and they are — but it’s all of the tiny, thoughtful things she does that make her such a special woman.

My mom sends me several cards in the mail each week, just to say hello. I don’t know if she’ll ever understand how much they mean to me, how excited I get when I see her handwriting on an envelope. She is absolutely selfless. I truly aspire to be as giving as her one day, to give relentlessly and never expect to be given. I’ve tried to repay her for what she’s given me and she won’t accept it. She does things on her own accord, without reason or reciprocation. Her heart is swelling with goodness, and she is good to many; fortunately, I am one of the many.

I went to visit my mom in her classroom when I was home over winter break, and was floored by her patience. I’ve always known that she was a patient woman (with five kids, is there any other way?) but seeing her working with her students really made me realize how devoted she is. Teaching SPED is something that I know I could likely never do, but she has a gift of helping her students and seeing through their differences. 

She is my role model, and an inspiration to my character. I never want to let her down, only become more of her. This woman is absolutely genuine, loving and unique, and I am blessed to call her my mom.

Now back home I go, to celebrate with a fantastic lady…