30til30: Day 28

I have 30 days until I turn 30, so I thought I'd try to choose 30 moments that have helped shape who I am and want to be. Coming up with the list has been challenging...and enlightening. These final few ARE in a particular order.

28: Mom.

I can't even begin to explain the relationship I have with my Mom. I love it. She brings me so much joy. I think she loves ME too much, though. ;-)

Why I think my Mom is the best Mom:

• She was 19 when I was born, 22(ish) when Amanda was born, and 24(ish) when Brandi was born. I'm 30 and can't imagine having one child, let alone THREE.
• She had a really rough childhood. It's the stuff of movies. She came out of it determined to have a different life, and she does. 
• She wasn't afraid to let us learn from our mistakes (SOME of us are still learning). ;-)
• My mom has always put us first (by the way, Mom: it's time to put yourself first).
• She is a great friend. Watching her with her friends is amazing. 
• She's a gift giver. 
• She's a social networking machine (FB, Flickr, TWITTER)
• She is still married to and loves my Dad. 
• Grandma is her middle name. I can't wait for my children to know her.
• She is giving Emma and Candace the same love and support she gave my sisters and me.
• She supports me no matter what. 
• She listens to me.
• She likes to talk to me and tell me about things. I think she trusts my judgment. 
• Everyone who really knows her loves her. 

How she shaped me:

• In every way possible.
• I hope I care for people the way she cares for me.
• If I need advice on raising my kids, I don't need to look any further than my own childhood.

Mom - 

I know that sometimes you feel like you failed as our Mom: you didn't. You made a commitment to give us a life that was better than yours. You did that and WAY more. I don't look at my childhood and ever think, "oh, I wish she would have..." My memories are full of love, caring, support and joy. You did that. You're the best Mother and friend anyone could have. I am who I am because you're my Mom.

I'm proud to tell people that you are my mom. I love you more than I could ever try to explain.

Love you,

Danielle

P.S. You and Dad are too young to be parents of a 30 year old.