DEAR MOM

Dear Mom, Happy Mother's Day. Everything good within me can be traced to your love, your sacrifices, your values, your spirit of joy and generosity. I saw you discriminated against so much of your life, yet witnessed that you never lost faith in yourself or belief in others. I saw you sew our clothes, cut coupons, drive an hour to the next town just to save on groceries for four hungry kids. I saw you work those 12 hour shifts and fall asleep on the couch surrounded by bills and worries. I saw you get us out into the world every day, dressed, fed, bag lunches, off to school, help with homework, millions of pounds of laundry, home cooked meals every night, the singing to us and tucking us in with such love. I saw you make those extra loaves of bread pies, those extra jars of jam and take them to our neighbors and friends who had less than we did even as we were struggling. I saw you bail each of us out of trouble in school or as we chased our dreams without a single complaint. I saw you love us four kids equally, mom, unconditionally, with a full heart somehow big enough for all of us. I saw you dance with dad, love dad, stand by him, take care of him until the very end. God, you loved him so. I've seen you live your life, your unique life, so vibrant, so thankful, so spontaneous and funny, so deeply caring. A bright light always. I've seen you become your kids best friend. I watched you dote on the grandkids with so much joy. I've seen you connect my seminar attendees, becoming, you know, like their seminar mom. Adopting people around the world at my events with love and cheering them on, often even more than many of their loved ones do. I've seen you maintain joy and become stronger in this last decade since dad passed away. I've seen you make us your priority our entire lives. Your example made me want to live my own life, care for others, be resourceful, learn new things, work hard, be thankful, respect others, keep my head up, value family above all. And try always to increase love in the world, one moment and one person at a time. Mom, you're my hero. You are my first great gift and mentor in life. You are the most joyous and thankful and caring person I've known today and all days. Know that your son adores you, Mom. Know that we all are here for you. That you will never be alone. Know that your love surrounds the globe because you made family and friendships and caring for and connecting others a priority. True art, a beautiful gift to the world. Your son is proud of you, Mom. Every day know that I'm deeply thankful for you. And I forever carry you in my heart and mission and soul. Love you, Mama. Happy Mother's Day. Bizu. Bizu.