Happy Mom's Day

Maybe it's just that it's getting close to Mother's Day or maybe it's something about rocking my own bundle of energy to sleep that makes a person turn sentimental. Whatever the reason, I found myself full of emotion the other evening as I was putting Riley to bed.

I can remember joking that I didn't know any lullabies because my mom always rocked me to sleep singing hymns written in The Baptist Hymnal. I know all the words to lots of hymns because of my mother. (All the words except the third verse, of course. Don't ask, it's a Baptist thing.) Now, understand, that my mother will claim that she can't carry a tune in a bucket but know that she is far from tone-deaf.  I learned to sing harmony from standing next to my mom and dad in church services.

So as I was putting Riley to bed, singing each and every soothing song I could think of, I had a sudden but powerful longing to hear my mother's voice. Even in it's "imperfections" it is still the most beautiful voice a child could ever hear.

It's a reminder as a mother that what comes from my mouth is a powerful thing. What I say and what I sing will stick with my baby for the rest of his life simply because I am his mother.  It's a reminder to me to say one more, "I love you," one more, "I believe in you," and one more, "Riley, I'm proud of you."

So to the lady who has always believed in me; always encouraged me, telling me never to give up, I love you. Happy Mother's Day, Mom.