Mommies Dearest

One of the best things about Mother’s Day is that without it, I wouldn’t have a Father’s Day. Literally...and in a way, I guess you could say that holds true twice.

My mom gave birth to me by walking five miles, uphill, both to the hospital and back. Ok, not really but she did have me during one of Chicago’s biggest snowstorms. She had to be pulled over a mile on sled by my grandparents just to make to their car since there weren’t any nearby parking spaces. And after a bazillion hours a labor, her pride and joy was born.

She taught me many things over these 40 years:

• You can’t lie about brushing your teeth if you were stupid enough not to wet your toothbrush.
  
• Don’t slide your brother down the laundry chute like they do in the movies.
  
• If you’re going to have her read your blog, don’t talk about having sex with women.

But she also taught us that it’s nice to have family that lives close. Taking 100 pictures at every family event makes for nice memories years later. And having animals always seems like a good idea until you get them home.

Fast forward 36 years and you’ll find two more amazing mothers. These two are whom my son calls mommy and mama. For a man who loves and thinks he understands kids, they have taught me the true meaning of being a parent. Sacrifice, patience, love and strength (did I mention patience?) anchor their roles as moms. I know everyone thinks the moms they know are the best, but these top my list.

So to all moms out there today, Happy Mother’s Day. But to mommy and mama, thank you for choosing me to be a partner in your parenting dreams. You two are the best!