I wanted to write a piece for mother's day, in honor of my mother, but somehow all my time got taken with other things. So it is as a mother. I am a mother, so different from my own, yet so much of what I do, I take from her.

My mom became a mother at 19 years of age. I became a mother at 29 years old. She gave birth to eleven children, and adopted 14 more. I have three children.

My mom was the sort who was there when I came home from school. There is only one occasion when she wasn't there that I recall. I needed her that day. It was the day, I had broken my arm in gym class. But I stayed at school, in shock, with no adults noticing, until I rode my bike home, and the crossing guard saw my tears streaming down my face as the wind hit my arm, causing so much pain. It was before the days of cell phones. All she could do was tell me to hurry home and show my mom, as she gave me a small pat on the shoulder. But it was my 17 year old brother there that day. Mom arrived about a half hour later, and I remember the relief I felt when my mom got there. Then I knew everything would be alright.

My mom made dinner almost every night. Every dinner was accompanied by a salad. And most nights, there was also an appetizer too. Most commonly, a half peach or pear that she had canned the previous summer and topped with cottage cheese and marishino cherries. I don't recall having any food from a box. Most of it was fresh and created by my mom. Some meals were things us kids despised, like her goulash, but we ate it anyhow!

My mom sewed our bathing suits one year, and often she would sew our nightgowns. She also did the laundry without any help. We would bring our baskets down, and they would magically appear folded and ready to go.

My mom was like a super mom! She did it all. And I didn't hear complain, at least not very often!

What will my boys say about me someday? I'm a working mom, gone 5-6 days/week. I juggle things so I can take my kids to school most mornings, and I pick them up a few afternoons too. Tuesdays, I drop them at school, and then don't see them again until Wednesday morning, as I work a 14 hour day. I rarely bake for my children. I do manage to cook most nights, but I'm sure their plates don't have all the food groups represented! I have never sewed for my children. If they need something fixed, then they ask their dad for help with that!

But my favorite thing as a mom is to spend time with my boys. To play and have fun. I love being a mom!