My Lovely Mother

     I vividly remember one day in my mind shortly before I turned seven. The rest of that summer is much of a blur, but that one day stands out to me in a heartbreaking way. My mom had gotten sick with a horrible infection that summer after a relatively minor surgery and being an almost seven-year-old girl; I was oblivious to the seriousness of what was happening. All I knew was that mom was sick and I got to hang out at my friend’s houses and now I was going to spend some time with my grandma, something I was so excited about.

     I remember standing at the hospital bed, excited and anxious for my grandpa to come and drive me half way to my North Dakota grandma’s house. All I could think of was seeing my grandma again and eating lots of candy (her nickname is “Candy Grandma” for a reason). Yet as we were getting ready to go, my mom said something to me that I’ll never forget. She explained the seriousness of her illness and said, “I could die.”

    Those words in my little mind were always burned as in two seconds I realized that I could be losing one of the dearest and most important people in my life. The tears came and I didn’t want to go anymore to my grandma’s, I just wanted to be with my mom and make sure nothing bad happened to her. Throughout my time at my grandma’s, we prayed a ton that my mom would get better.

    And she did. After a second surgery, the infection was removed and she slowly got better. I can still remember my birthday that year though, eight years later. My grandma made chocolate chip muffins that morning and we then hopped into the car for the four-hour car ride back home. We stopped at the hospital and saw my mom, who was then post surgery and recovering.

     I only got to see her for five minute on my birthday and then we had to head home where my dad, brother, and some other family were waiting to celebrate my birthday. My mom was with us via telephone, but it wasn’t the same and I’ll always remember that birthday.

     As mother’s day is coming up, I can’t imagine life without my mom. I can’t picture what life would be like right now if she would have died eight years ago. She is my best friend, confidante, counselor, shopping partner, partner in blondeness at times (when we are together, it’s horrible), and the person that makes me laugh all the time.

     So here’s to my mom! Is she perfect? No. Do we always get along perfectly? No. But do I love her more then peanut butter toast? Oh yeah! Happy Mothers day Mom, I love you tons and tons!