We have had our ups and our downs like any mother and daughter. I know growing up I thought you were the strictest, most unfair parent in the world. Calling the parents of my friends who's party I was planning to go to (or at least telling me you were going to), enforcing the insanely early curfew of 1230 am when all my friends could stay out so much later. You will correct me and say, as I've heard many times that it wasn't me that had the curfew but instead it was your car that had to be home. I knew it meant the same thing. You had lots of rules that were meant to keep me out of trouble and I only have one thing to say:
I BEGRUDGINGLY ADMIT TO YOU NOW, PUBLICLY AND WITHOUT RESERVATION THAT YOU WERE RIGHT.... ALMOST ALWAYS. (Fenders?)
Now that I have kids I hear your voice coming out of my mouth all the time. You know what they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Sooner or later I'll be saying things like "there is nothing you can do after midnight that you can't do before midnight". And while I'm sure the words won't be the same I'm sure some version of "don't let me catch you necking at the Byway" will be heard in our house as well. All you Mom-isms are somewhere in my mommy bag to be pulled out when the time is right. I thank you for them.
I have learned so many lessons about life from you. You've instilled the value of family because in the end, that's all you really have. You have taught me not to take life too seriously and that whimsy is a must. I got my creative mind from you. You've made me believe that I deserve cubby holes and that holding out for them is well worth the wait. You've always been available to listen to me complain, give advice and help with whatever I've needed no matter what. You've forgiven me many times. You've always been someone I enjoy spending time with and not just because you're family. Our family vacations are some of my favorite memories, especially the ones we've had as adults. You are a wonderful Oma to my kids and I'm so happy we live close enough that you are a constant in their lives.
I called you recently with a complaint about the kids being ungrateful and you laughed at me. You said that I should get used to it because it will take another 30 years before they learn to appreciate what we do for them and that's if I'm lucky. I can understand why you say that. I often realize much too late that I didn't give you appropriate thanks for some little thing, some huge thing or just for your friendship. I feel guilty about that because I always appreciate you, even when I don't say it when I should. I don't know where I'd be without your guidance and love and I am proud to call you Mom and Friend.
So here's to you on Mothers day from a most thankful daughter. I love you very much. And Just like you always say to me... Don't forget to Dance.
