Happy Mother's Day

"I want to wear out, not rust out."

How many times have I heard that from my mom.  She doesn't want to sit around, waiting for life to come to her but rather always on the move, not letting the rust accumulate.  Let me tell you that my mother moves around so much that there isn't a speck of rust on her.  Nowadays she babysits my 4 nephews every other weekend.  I just hope that I'll have grandkids in time for her to love on them the way she loves on those 4 crazy boys.  Every kid should have a grandma like that!

She (and my dad) drove me (and my brother) the equivalent of around the world (number of times, don't remember) just in taking us to school and back every day from kindergarten on (I started driving in 10th grade so that took some of the strain off).  She sat through countless school programs, watched me play "Little girl #2" in Heidi in 4th grade, several animal parts in Peter Cottontail, and the bean seller in "Jack and the Beanstalk".  I started 4-H in 6th grade and from then on there were 4-H meetings, shows, clinics, and everything else in between.  I took riding lessons for three years starting in 5th grade.  Once I hit 7th grade, sports took over.  There were practices that she had to pick me up from, games that were hours away from us that she and dad drove to knowing there was a good chance I wouldn't play (until I made starter).  She helped me with decisions, both big and small.  When I got to college, she picked me up nearly every weekend so I could go home (freshman had no cars) and even brought Hansi with her too.  It was two hours, one way, just to pick me up but it was definitely something I needed at the time.  My parents have been so dependable throughout the years.  Sometimes I make the mistake of taking them for granted and don't always take the time to call.  As the years go on, I realize that I can't take either of them for granted anymore.  They still rescue me when I've needed it as recently as this past winter when they drove over to drive me to a doctor's appointment after my foot got infected and things were a little uncertain.  I'll love them forever and like them for always.  My mom never asked for anything in return yet has given everything without complaint.  She's a mom, she's my mom.  Thank you.