Dear Mom,

I wonder if you know how amazing you are? Sometimes I think you don't, and maybe that's my fault - I don't tell you often enough. I slip onto the well worn path of 'take-you-for-granted', knowing you will always be there for me somehow. In some conversations I hear you tell me how "old" you are. You point out some physical evidence but it doesn't sink in. To me you are always "Mom", young and beautiful. In my mind's eye I see you as that picture hanging next to your bedroom door. You know, the one that was supposed to be of your kids but they all got sick, so you dressed up and went yourself so as not to waist the appointment. I'm glad you did that.

Out of the six of us I am the most like you. I think I can safely say this because my younger sister and brother have more than once called me "mom" while growing up. I'm glad to be like you. Although I have a long way before I am perfected as beautifully as you. You are so generous and self-sacrificing, always willing to help, always striving to be better, always ready to teach.

Even with 6 kids to raise and keep you busy you tried to carve out some time for you. Whether it was exercise, learning stained glass, trying new recipes, or perfecting your bread making talent, you taught me that balance in life is important. As a new mother I know that time out for 'me' is important and even okay, because of you. You taught me about patience, about forgiveness and repentance, about love. You taught me about faith. You taught me to forgo immediate pleasures in order to obtain the prize at the end of the road. You taught me to clean and to not be afraid of do-it-yourself projects, or any other kind of work. You taught me to enjoy cooking, and how a simple treat can brighten a persons whole day. You taught me many things Mom. I'm so glad you're my teacher.

These days I really enjoy our phone calls. Just to tell each other what we are doing that day, to be updated on other family members, to swap information on "deals" we've found, or even to ask you how to make biscuits! You are always ready to share your time with me and it means allot. I'm glad you're my friend.

You ARE amazing Mom. Smart, witty, funny, beautiful and absolutely lovely! Just ask your kids or your husband. We all know the truth. You are our "super-star", the glue that holds us together. I am more than glad to be your daughter! And I love you!