… and coffee, because I know that’s where my mom is, and she wouldn’t have gone if there wasn’t any. I can see her now, up there plotting and smoking and laughing at me!

I had a good mom. She raised all five of us while dad went to work; the only time she worked, was when I decided I wanted to go to a private school. And then, it was only part-time, and she made SURE she was always home when we were.

It would be nice if it was possible to do so these days, but sadly it’s next to impossible. With the cost of gas, you almost need a three income family - not a two!

One thing they don’t tell you when you become a mom, is how much guilt you feel over things - over just about everything. You put them to bed too early - you put them to bed too late. You buy them too much, you can’t buy them what they need. You feel guilty for getting a divorce, you feel guilty for staying and fighting all the time.

There’s not much “win” in being a mom. Being a mom (well, a PARENT) is a HARD job, and one we don’t ever really appreciate until we become parents ourselves.

And yet, there are those few choice moments, when it’s all worthwhile - when that crying baby, finally falls asleep, and feels so good nuzzled under your chin. When your teenager, laughs with you. When your adult daughter, tells you that you’ve always been a good mom, and offers to cook YOU dinner tonight.

What a wonderful feeling.

Happy Mother’s Day!