M5 W1 D2: To my mother

Mom,

Although you are an entire country away, you have been my rock and strength these past two years.

In the midst of your own health concerns and worries, you pulled me through mine.

In the midst of your own concerns this winter, you helped me face four months alone with three small children.

You listened. You let me cry. You gave me encouragement and advice and sometimes a verbal spank.

And you did it all over phone lines and through computer screens.

I have always admired your strength, your fierce will, the way you raised us.

Thank you for my childhood. Thank you for still mothering me as an adult. Thank you for refusing to be my friend, and insisting on being my mother.

I love you very much.

Happy Mother's Day.