Becoming a mother is allowing your heart to run around outside of your body for the rest of your life. It's becoming selfless and putting your children first in all things. It's sacrificing everything for someone else, loving another human unconditionally with every ounce of love you've got to give. It's scary, at times, to feel like you don't know what you're doing; frustrating when your children don't listen to you; a struggle when you know you're doing the right thing, and "the right thing" is hard to do. It's rewarding when your child throws his arms around you in a hug; awe-inspiring when you watch them grow and learn. And at the end of the day, when you kiss them goodnight and hear the words, "I love you" - it's enough to make your world complete. Somehow, when a child is born, it fills a mother's heart so completely with love. Most often, she didn't even know it was empty.

When I was growing up, I didn't know any of these things. I was a child and I wanted things my way. I fought my mother on most of her decisions. I was often angry with her for her discipline; throwing tantrums when she didn't give in to my requests - and as a teenager, I fought her every step of the way. Now that I'm a mother, I look back and wonder how I could have ever behaved that way. If only I had known then what I know now! But it is a learned process, and I think to truly appreciate my mother, I had to become a mother myself.

There were good times when I was growing up. If I'm honest, there were more good times than bad. My mother always put us first; did everything she could to make us happy. She cooked special meals, baked treats, played games, went shopping, threw birthday parties, and held us when we cried. She was always there to share in the laughter; to comfort the tears, and guide us through the growing pains.

My mother was wonderful, and I regret that there is only one day a year to honor her. I would like to think that I take the effort to show her all year how much I think of her. But I doubt that I do.

For all the diapers changed; all the sleepless nights; all the boo-boos kissed, meals cooked, shopping excursions, hugs, kisses, & holidays - here's to you, Mom. I love you.

Happy Mother's Day!