Even a mom sometimes needs her mom

I am going to keep this short because my little one is sleeping, and those peaceful sleeps have been a rarity in our home for a couple of weeks now.

I wanted to give a shout out to an unsung hero in my life. My mom.

The older (and more stubborn) I have gotten, the more my mom and I have clashed here and there. Mostly due to differences in personality where we don't always see eye to eye. But despite that, she has and always will be one of my closest friends. When my heart and mind are troubled, I revert back to that innate nature where I just need my mom to make things seem better.

Maybe that makes me childish, irresponsible, or too dependent -- I don't know. And I really don't care. But the truth is, a mother can simply make situations seem better with just her presence. I think this is one of those special traits that God gave mothers to possess during their child's time of need.

Long story short, I got really down earlier this week. I was handling it ok until one day when Matt had returned to work, and I was overcome with my emotions and felt alone. My parents could tell how down I was, and packed up immediately to make the four-hour trip to our home to help out. (It turned into a five hour trip due to icy roads on the mountain.)

Having my parents here to help Matt and me allowed me to keep my wits about me and get a second wind. I'll go ahead and point out that my dad has gone above and beyond the call of duty as well, but my mom has a special way that just comes natural to her of knowing how to keep me calm.

Mom stayed with us for two weeks after Natalie was born (Dad stayed for some of that time as well). It made it much easier on me in particular since I was recovering from surgery and still had a difficult time physically for the first few days after I came home from the hospital.

Well, I said I'd keep this short, but my hands keep typing. So I'll get to the point ...

Even when you become a parent yourself, you still sometimes need a helping hand, word of encouragement, or just a hug from your mom. My mom always puts my needs before her own, and now, Natalie's needs as well. It's just what mothers do, and I'm thankful to have her as an example for the kind of mother I hope to be for Natalie.

Thanks, mom. I don't always find it easy to verbally express the words in my heart, but I can write them. I hope you know how much your love and help are appreciated. I am glad another generation gets to experience all the love you (and dad) have to offer.