"Mama, PLEEEEEEEAASSSSE!" The phrase I hear 8,247 times a day (or so it seems). The words I longed to hear for years; the phrase that makes me a little crazy some days.
As I think about all the "Mama, pleases" I hear in a day, I can't help but think about my own mother and all the times she heard my brother and me scream out those words. My mother is a saint - she truly deserves her own statue because she is the very best mother in the world. She's selfless in every way possible - she always thinks of everyone before herself. That selflessness extends far beyond the giving to her husband, children and grandchildren. It goes to siblings, nieces, nephews, friends, the church, the community, anyone in need - if you called my mother right now and made a request, she'd do all she could to help you. Her ability to give so freely has always amazed me.
Celebrating my mother is easy, not just on Mother's Day, but every day. For the woman who is my greatest fan and very best fiend, thank you for always investing in me. You're the reason I am unafraid of anything in life and the reason I want to be a better human each and every day.
Instead of the usual requests my mama often receives, here are a few "Mama, please" that don't require her to do anything but feel loved and celebrated:
Mama, please know that I appreciate you for always encouraging me.
Mama, please understand that your belief in my dreams is what gave me the confidence to pursue my goals.
Mama, please know that your strict rules didn't actually ruin my life! Now I am thankful for the times you told me "no" and "absolutely not" during high school.
Mama, please know that your commitment to church and God is why my faith is so deep.
Mama, please accept my apology for being a brat when I didn't get my way.
Mama, please accept my heartfelt thank you for every sacrifice you made for me.
Mama, please know that the memory of you holding and meeting Birdie for the first time is forever etched in my mind and was one of the most amazing moments I could ever witness.
Happy Mother's Day, Mama. You are the greatest gift to our family.
And to all mothers - Happy Mother's Day.