My mom did everything for her children. Period.

I could end the post there because really that’s what she did. People often tell me I am full of energy. Quite honestly I am perplexed by that comment as I know I do so much less than my brother Carlos, or my dad at my age and don’t get me started on my mother.

My parents were up at the crack of dawn. One making coffee, the other getting ready to leave in the dark of morning to drive off to go build a house. My mom worked in a factory until she was injured and could no longer spend the day seated at her job. This lead her to start an at-home daycare. Yet that wasn’t the half of it.

I remember my friend Tommy coming over one day and being shocked that my mother had prepared a homemade soup for the children’s lunch. Tommy, duh! My mother made every meal, every day home made.

Wrap you head around that? Mom, with a job, homemade mealS every day. I don’t have much of a part-time job and that does my head in. That is why on days like today. Days before one of my children’s birthdays for example when I’m cooking (we ate leftovers), baking cakes (true story) & making sure homework gets done that I am reminded of her. You see, every time I go that extra yard for my kids I know I got the idea from her. I remember her waking at 5am one time to knead dough to then make fried dough for an international celebration at school. I remember another time I forgot to tell her I needed an outfit and again she woke at some ungodly hour to make sure it was done.

My kids sometimes are irresponsible & forgetful and this they get from me. If ever they become truly great people, they can thank the people that came before.

Mom, it’s the day before Sophia’s birthday. God, she reminds me of you. Gorgeous, intelligent, head strong & has a great laugh when you can get it out of her. You’d love her. She’d adore you. My kitchen’s a mess. You’d hate that I was sharing anything but the final product. But let’s be honest this wouldn’t be the first time I drive you crazy.

Mom, thanks for teaching me that there is no excuse for not doing all you can do for your kid. I love you. I miss you. Wish you were here to share them. They’re truly the best thing I’ve ever been a part of.