Dear Mom

You've put up with a lot from me over the years, and it's about time you receive some heartfelt thanks.

I was a difficult teenager. I'm sure I had my moments as a child, as well, but those years I don't recall as well as those difficult teenage years. They say "what goes around comes around," and I can see I'm going to get a taste of my own medicine with Kayla in about a decade and a half: Attitude, whining, anger, belligerence, tactless vocalizing of opinions, selfishness and more. I can just hear myself now: "Mom, how did you EVER survive those years with me?"

As a new mother, I am only beginning to see the things you and Dad did for us girls that we had no clue about as children. The stress, the frustration, the tears, the feelings of helplessness when we were sick, the exhaustion...I'm sure you had it all. And somehow you still waved at me from the audience, laughed at my bad jokes, and let me wear my mismatched outfits of which I was so proud. You still forked over dollar after dollar for bake sales, magazine sales, car washes, mini golf tournaments, hot lunches, ice cream at the Roller Drome, and countless other things that were so important to a kid.

I remember when Rachel and I were attacked by that maniacal cat in the boonies of Idaho. My hand had puncture wounds; Rachel's head was bleeding...you drove 90 miles an hour down the dirt roads of the back country, flashing your lights, honking your horn, and yelling at the other drivers to get out of your way, so you could get your girls to the emergency room and cleaned up.

I remember you making chocolate chip cookie dough without the eggs so we could eat it with a spoon, unbaked.

I remember those stressful days just before school started each year, when we all three just knew we had to have a new first day of school outfit, a new backpack, a new lunchbox, and new shoes. You humoured us every time and we felt super special on that first day of school every year.

I remember you taking us on day trips for our birthdays a couple of times. One time you even drove me down to Salt Lake City, just so we could go out to eat and do some shopping somewhere I'd never been before.

It's true we've not always been the best of friends, but regardless, you were there, in the background, watching me, loving me, praying for me and wanting nothing but the best for me in life.

Thank you. I love you, Mom!

Love,
Becky