March 23

March 23 is a day I will never forget. It's just one of those days that will always be special to me. It's my mom's birthday. I almost never remember my closest friends', my brothers' (I know, shame!), my fathers' (plural the guilt) birthdays but I'll never ever forget my mom's. I guess this means I love her most. She wins. She gets the big purple stuffed bear with scary plastic eyes. Lucky woman.

I think the biggest compliment you can get as a mother is to know that your children feel loved. That they walk around, big or small, knowing and emanating that knowledge that no matter what happens in their life, their mom loves them. From that grows confidence, courage, and the ability to believe in yourself. Well, I can tell you that my mom should consider herself complimented. I certainly feel loved by her and know that no matter what happens, she's in my corner. Unless Kate Gosselin happens to be there with me. Mom's not a Kate fan.

So, without further ado, here's a really sappy yet cheeky love poem for my mom.

Mom

You love us

and we love you

You know every word to

Winnie-the-Pooh

You sing so pretty

You dance so fine

You dislike bridges

and 495

You love chocolate

Hate Lipitor

Love to swim

and quick jaunts to the store

Not grocery though,
(That is a bore)

Target's a win,

(since we're keeping score)

Macy's okay

but Tuesday Morning is better

We'll go there next week

and buy crap with feathers.

You work very hard

Every day, every hour

Lots of grunt work

You have staying power

Your husband is fired

from your laundry room

Mine is as well,

it's passed from the womb.

You are a great cook

But seldom eat much

'cept chocolate ice cream,

almonds, and such.

We both wring our hands

to come up with those plans

to feed bellies' demands

for more than Zataran's!

We have the same addiction

to reality shows

Yours: Survivor. Mine: Runway

because AI kind of blows.

You answer the phone

Every time that I call

and still seem interested in

what I hung on the wall

You keep me company

throughout my long days

with adult perspective

to lessen the craze.

You are unique

You are kind

You are hilarious

You don't mind

homemade earrings

bracelets too,

lopsided necklace

birthday cake snafu

Happy Birthday, dear Mom

You've done your job well

We know how much you love us

and we can tell

you wouldn't trade places

for another's too soon

unless it came with a maid

and perhaps New Moon too.

We are lucky to have you

and all else above?

We adore you, Mom.

You too are loved.