For Mum

Thanks for putting up with pre-school dropping-out; messy rooms; the pink-hair, piercings, punk rock years; the know-it-all (if only you knew what I know you'd think what I think) University years; panicked phone calls about blown tires, tuition, etc.; teenage years part two before the wedding; perpetual procrastination; and all the other things best forgotten. Thank-you for purple popsicles; homemade cookies, pies, cakes, etc.; the best Halloween costumes ever (for the grandkids too); family dinners; Barbie clothes, weddings, parties; doll birthdays; and believing in Santa. Thanks for coming to games, plays, concerts, and bake sales. Thanks for introducing me to puzzles, books, birds, and gardening. Thank you for working hard outside the home and showing me that women are defined by more than their children and husband. Thank you for demonstrating partnership. Thank you for your strength. Thank you for demonstrating that balance of ambition, work ethic, and dreaming. Happy Mother's Day to the woman who shaped who I am, accepts the choices I make, and loves me anyway. I can only hope to be as good a mother and grandmother as you.