Some of y'all know my mom.  You know then that if you meet my mom, she treats you as if you were another one of her children (except that, to my knowledge, she has never grounded you).   (Well, unless you are TRgirl, Bud, or Goose.)  Even the boys love her.  When I broke my leg, she came and stayed for a week, but had to go home for the weekend.  She came back for the surgery, and was greeted by two cat bellies.  That is a high compliment in the cat world.   

When I was growing up, I often wished that my mom worked, so that I could have the "fashionable" clothing.  (Why quotes?  I grew up in NJ.  Anyone else remember Z. Cavaricci jeans?)   I have come to appreciate having a mom who was home every day after school, who was there to listen to my problems and help with my homework.  (Well, until Calculus.  Mom, you were no help with Calculus.) 

We fought during my teenage years (I know, a mom and teenaged daughter fighting.  Shocker!), but we didn't really hold on to the anger.  Our most memorable fight involved throwing laundry at each other, which we then picked up and folded together.  (That's what I remember about the argument.  Not what it was about.)

I know that TRgirl, Bud, and I are the people we are because of Mom's influence.  (Goose is still young.)  We are in careers (or second careers) that help people, in our own ways.  We help where we can.  We support each other, and are always there when one of the others needs us. 

Mom, you are one of my best friends.  Thank you for all you do and all you have done for me.  I love you!