Happy Mother's Day, Mom.....(with my apologies.)

I was listening to a radio program recently, and heard a lady say something to the extent of, "...you never see your success at mothering until your adult children thank you.".  This statement brought a smile to my face.

Now that I have three children-- one school aged, one soon to be and one toddler--I find myself constantly correcting, disciplining, praying "Jesus, help me!", and thinking two things: "How did my mom do this with five kids?" and my favorite, "Mom was right!".

Yes, Mom.  You were right.  About everything.  I honestly cannot think of one thing that you were not right about...except when you would look at my messy room and say, "I can't wait to see your house one day, Donna."  I think I have the organization thing covered:)

But, in honor of Mother's Day, here are a few things that I am so, so sorry about.  Things that I did to you as a child..... and things that are now being done to me.

* I am sorry for looking in the full pantry or refrigerator, "starving", and complaining to you that, "there is nothing to eat in this house!"

* I'm sorry for asking what was for dinner, hearing the answer, and scrunching up my nose at your dinner plan.

*I'm sorry for getting irritated with you when you would correct me after I "practiced" my piano by playing a song one time.  And I'm sorry for taking advantage of the money you put towards my piano lessons.  You were so right...I regret not taking it seriously.  Oh, how I wish I would have listened and practiced.  And why we're on this topic, I'm sorry for probably embarrassing you and Daddy at our recitals.  Wow.

* I'm sorry for making a big deal about my baby book not being filled out.  Poor me, fifth child.  My mom had plenty of time to sit around and fill out a baby book!  Charlotte is 2 1/2 and her book still sits empty.  I'm sorry for that mom guilt I gave you.

* I'm sorry for "treating you like dirt" and "walking all over you like an old rug".  Yes, I say those two phrases very often to my children, and each time I do, I smile inside thinking that I am just like my mother:)  But, oh, how true are those statements!

* I'm sorry for taking out frustrations on you and talking disrespectfully to you, but being a little princess for Daddy.  You were correct, moms get the brunt of it all, but when the daddy comes home, everyone is so obedient and "angelic".

*  And all of those times that you picked me up after school and asked how my day was, if I liked my lunch, who I played with on the playground, did everyone like my report, did anyone notice my new outfit, and I just answered with a "yes", "no", "I don't know" or would get annoyed that you were even asking, I am sorry.  I now understand that you truly wanted to know about my day and how hurtful it must have been when I got annoyed that you'd want to know!

*I am SO sorry for embarrassing you in stores when the girls and I would argue with each other and get out of control.  I remember at those times not understanding why you were getting so mad but now, I get it:)

*I'm sorry for taking all of your spiritual conversations lightly.  You would ask us every Sunday at lunch what we learned about in Sunday School and I remember often answering "I don't know" and you would be disappointed.  Again, I didn't get it, but now I do:)  You did your best to intertwine and talk about Jesus and spiritual conversations into our daily lives and you did a great job at it.  

* For all the lack of first time obedience, eye rolling, huffing and puffing when asked to redo a homework problem or practice spelling words or a household chore, taking advantage, arguing with siblings, saying "I'm never going to make my kids do this..." and so much more, I am sorry.  I now know that all of this combined with the raising of five kids--all with different personalities---plus the duties and worries that come with being a wife and mother must have driven you NUTS!  I know they do to me.

I know that I am just getting started in my years of mothering.  I still have the preteens, teens and adult years ahead of me and those will bring on a whole new level of worries and battles.  But, I just wanted you to know that I think you did a wonderful job at mothering me and my sisters.  You weren't perfect, you probably wish you could have a re-do on a lot of things, but I know you did the best you could, and you helped give me a memory of a beautiful and wholesome childhood.

Mom, I told you this on your birthday a few weeks ago, but it is so true.  I can only hope and pray that when these three pipsqueaks of ours grow up, they have as much love, respect and thankfulness towards me that I so incredibly feel towards you.   I'm so blessed that I have been given the chance to experience motherhood--however frustrating it can be at times.  And I am also so blessed that I have a truly Godly and classy example from where I can glean wisdom and support from as I guide my three through life.

I love you dearly. You were and are the best mommy for me:) Happy Mother's Day!