All the things my mother never did for me

She never taught me how to style my hair, or do my makeup, or dress in the most flattering fashions. She didn’t teach me how to blow a bubble, ride my bike, or snap my fingers. I don’t recall her ever making cupcakes for my class, or putting on an elaborate birthday party. A box cake mix and a can of frosting was about as fancy as it got. We never went for mother/daughter manis or pedis, or spa days, or other such extravagances.

But in the end, as I reflect on my own journey of motherhood I realize that all the things my mother never did for me, are things that never really mattered at all.

She always taught me how to stand up for what I believe in, be loyal to those I love, and be tender and kind at all times. She taught me how to use a dictionary, an encyclopedia, and how to do long division. I remember her making time for conversations with my friends, and feeding all of us crazy girls when we’d gather for sleepovers. She didn’t need to show us her love through an elaborate cake when she showed us her love through her actions daily. We always went on family vacations, and looking back now, those were probably extravagances we could barely afford.

Thank you mom, for all the things you’ve done for me. You gave me, and continue to give me, unconditional love. The touch of your hand still soothes me when my nerves are frayed. The sound of your voice is still my resting place. You focus on the things that really matter. You’re a wonderful example to me as I raise my own daughters. Love matters, things don’t. Thank you, thank you, thank you.