Ode to Moms

As it is Mother's Day weekend, I thought I would take the time to honor all the moms in my life, as every single one of them has impacted me as a mom. I could not be who I am without all the wonderful women I am surrounded by. Here are some of the lessons I've learned:
Cathy (my mom): She has the ability to appreciate EVERYTHING a child does and says. She can see a child through eyes of wonderment and enjoy all their levels of development, always finding the positive. Case in point: When I was about 5, I remember getting in trouble for something, and being really mad at my mom. I stormed off to my room, where I decided I would color a picture on the wall with crayons above my bed because I wanted to make my mom mad just like I was. Well, my mom came in. She didn't yell. She didn't scowl. She looked at the picture I had drawn and praised me for how cute it was. Wasn't I disappointed! That was that, our argument was over. Some may think that she was using reverse psychology, but if you know my mom, you probably know she genuinely marveled at my destroying of the bedroom wall. I love you Mom!
Sharma (Jed's Mom): She has to be the most accepting and selfless person I know. She is the best caretaker I have ever met, and is always there for those in need, with open, generous arms. While we were living with her, she would come home from working all day, exhausted to be sure, but every single day would still find time and evergy to play with Oliver. She never complained about the inconveniences of sharing her house with a family with two young kids (and believe me, I am sure there were many inconveniences). When we finally moved out, she never expressed relief, but only her sadness for seeing us go. I am sure there had to be some relief somewhere there, but she never showed it! I love you Sharma!
Geniel (Scott's wife): I have witnessed Geniel take her grand kids on trips, watch them overnight on multiple occasions, and be there as a babysitter without much warning at all. And Geniel is not just watching her grand kids when she has them, she is taking care of them, nurturing them, playing with them, and having fun with them. I remember one instance of her playing football with Oliver when he was about 2. Not very many grandmas would let a little boy tackle them, but she did! I love you Geniel!
Wendy (My sis-in-law): I got all my practical knowledge about babies from Wendy. No one in the world loves a baby more than Wendy. She is absolutely, without a doubt, the best caretaker of a little one. Since I did not have older siblings with babies, I really had not been around many of them until I had my own. Wendy has always been my go-to person for questions and comfort. Since taking care of infants is intense and very often sleepless, sometimes as a mom it is hard to appreciate and enjoy. Not for Wendy. She loves every part of caring for those helpless warm little bundles. It is wonderful for me to see because it helps me to appreciate it too. I love you Wendy!
Natalie (my sis-in-law too): Natalie is an amazing mom, because when she became a mom she had 3 children instantly. She works full time as well. She never complains about the stresses of taking care of 3 kids, a house, and a job. She shows so much love to her kids it is amazing, and seems to have the experience of a mother of 10! I love you Nat!
Nana (My Dad's mom, my grandma): I have seen my grama enjoy her grand kids from birth to adulthood, and now my kids are so fortunate to get a chance to know her as well. I see my grama work very hard to make sure people feel special on holidays and birthdays, as well as other special occasions. The lost art of correspondence is not lost on her, as she sends a card to every family member on virtually every holiday. She is always the first to make sure a person will have a special dessert on their birthday. Although it is not easy for her to entertain, bake, and get around, she still does it to be a part of so many people's lives. I love you Nana!
There are many more moms that have impacted me, and for that I thank you. There are so many of you, I apologize I can't thank you all individually, but I am grateful for all the life lessons you have given me. I hope you all have a wonderful mother's day!