To My Mom … who Survived Parenthood without Amazon, Pinterest OR Google!

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When I was a young girl, my mom got to play the role she always wanted – that of a full-time mother.

She had 5 daughters and loved us well. She prayed for us and with us. She sang to us and with us. She only played uplifting music in our home (and in the station wagon).

She had a garden and made our food from scratch, but I didn’t appreciate this at all. I’d cry on “meatloaf” night. I preferred McDonald’s or Taco Bell over her homemade food. Now that I’m an adult, I’d pick a home cooked meal at mom’s over any restaurant!

She didn’t have “Pinterest” – but made birthdays special for us. I do use Pinterest, but still can’t seem to make my cakes as pretty and tasty as hers!

She taught us how to eat healthily and exercise. (Thank you Jane Fonda!)

There was no internet, so nothing could be ordered online. Instead, she took all five of us with her to do all the errands and shopping on a weekly basis.  She taught us how to make a little money go far. We went to garage sales together and always used coupons.

She made our clothes (with fabric and a sewing machine!) and did our hair.

She took us to the library and allowed us to check out lots of books – even though that meant keeping track of all those books for all those girls! (I LOVE books!)

Mother’s Days as a single mom passed without much celebration or appreciation for the hard work she did all day, every day. She continued to love us, care for us, and provide for us. The investment she made in us, and prayers she prayed for us, have resulted in five daughters that love her, love God, and love others.

I pray that my four sons will grow into men who do the same – love their family, love God, and love others!

Mom, I’m not sure how much I said “thank you” growing up…or if I showed you any appreciation for all that you did for me when I was young. However, now that I am a mother, I’m so incredibly grateful for the incalculable investment you made in my life (and continue to make) – and for teaching me how to be a mom!