the final tradition

Today is my daughter's last day of school. Since they were able to drive, they've all gotten up early on this day (5am early) to drive 35 miles to go to Ihop for breakfast before school. Today was no different. So on today, this last day of school, I took a picture, in the same spot I always took the first day of school picture, to always remember this day. And then, as the girls poured their coffees, and headed out to the day, I kept snapping.

I love the friends that she has made over the years. And I love that they made traditions like this to remember forever. I am going to miss those kids, and those traditions, but can't wait to hear about the new friends, and the new traditions, as she heads off to college.

The sun is now up, already 5:30. Coffee in hand, listening to the birds. It's a good day.

a special bond

There are so many emotions running through me as I prepare for my daughter's graduation. We've come so far. She's come so far. Last night I was scanning photos for a slide show, and came across a photo of my mom holding her on her first birthday. The most bittersweet of emotions overcame me. Joy at seeing that amazing photo, but incredible sadness that mom won't be here to see her graduate. They were so close.

When I told my mom that I was pregnant, still a senior in college, planning on raising the baby on my own, she told me to come home. They had an amazing bond, and it's so sad to me that she can't be here to share in this time. I know she's watching from above...just wish she was here.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

It was four years ago today that I had to say goodbye to my mom. It's so hard to believe that it has been that long. I've been thinking lately about all of the things that she taught me, from how to do laundry, to how to plant a seed in the garden, to how to have patience with my own children.

I'm very sad that I only had my mom for 36 years. Not a day goes by when I don't have something I want to ask her, or something I want to share with her. But I also know that in those 36 years, she taught me how to be a good person. How to be a mom. And a wife. And a friend.

I don't know if she knew it or not, but through how she lived her life, she led me to who I am today. Little things, like always, always, always giving all she could - if it was money to a cause, or baked goods to an event, mom always gave. She always put herself last, others first.

Happy Mother's Day mom. I miss you so much. Above all, I just want you to know I'm trying - to make you proud. To be that person you were trying to mold me into. I love you!