before...

Before I was a Mom - I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday. Showered and got dressed.

Before I was a Mom - I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous, my cabinets were open or shut and I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind, my thoughts, and my body. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom - I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin or laugh. I never sat up late hours at night watching and listening to a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom - I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt or the tears. I never knew that something so small could affect my life oh so very much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom, but most importantly, being called "mom".

Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Before I was a Mom –

I had never been emotional, never cried at a random commercial, movie, a phone call & certainly never cried because I had loved something so much. Oh the power of one little child.

Before I was a mom –

I never understood when my mom would say “I promise, you’ll thank me later” or “you will realize it all later”…realize what!? I can now say that I know understand. I don’t say thank you enough for every single day that my mom raised me,sat up at night worrying about me, hurt for me, was proud of me, was there every minute of every single day...for me.

I guess this is my way of saying thank you, in so many words. I have a difficult time every single year oh what to write in a Mother’s Day card…just what do you say to a lady that gave up everything to have you, to raise you, to be your mom!? A lady that never missed a sporting event, was there every afternoon when we arrived home from school, wrote a card when she was so proud, celebrated every holiday like it was our birthdays, made me laugh, and a lady who continues to be my best friend.

I just don’t think any words in a card can do any amount of justice. I love this lady so much. although, for the time being, we are a few states away, I hope she knows just how much we love her. I can only pray that I'm half the mom she is!

I’m starting to understand the power of Motherhood. The power of a mother’s love is something that I can’t even describe. But I can tell you, that it's the best feeling I've ever experienced.

To all you mothers & future mothers out there…always remember to stay amazing and keep your head up high, you are doing alright! [and watch this video too…with a tissue.]

Happy Mothers Day.