My Momma

My mom is a very special person to me. Lots of people say that about their moms, I know, but really, she is one of my closest friends. You see...my mom got to CHOOSE me. Being a mom myself, I know that you can't choose your family...especially your kids. When they color on the walls or puke on the carpet a mere 6 inches away from the tile, you are reminded of this. But still you love them. Hopefully. My mom and dad picked me. They could have passed me up for a son or an older child with personality. But when they saw me in the office of the adoption agency, all wrinkly and bald (I was only 3 days old, give me a break...I'm much cuter now! Although I'm seeing some wrinkly skin again...), they fell in love. I can totally see someone falling in love with me now...I mean...I'm pretty awesome, but as a baby? I was probably pretty boring. Again, since I'm a mom, I know what it's like to love a child more than you love anything else. My mom felt that for me the first moment she saw me.

Mom grew up in Barberton, Ohio (B-town, holla!) and moved to Frankfort, Indiana when she was about 12. Her favorite place to go was Milky Way, one of those walk-up ice cream stands, and she loved going to church camp back in Ohio with her cousins. She graduated high school in '72...she was a very shy girl. However, her personality shone when she went to ABI (theology school) where she met my dad. They were married in '74 and wanted to have kids right away, but they couldn't. For 9 years they tried to have a baby, and they were on adoption waiting lists for 7 years. Then, on January 3rd, 1983, they picked me up and brough me home. My mom never questioned her love for me. Even in my teenage years when I was HORRIBLE and hormonal and rebellious. My mom always welcomed me back with open arms. Of course, I was always in trouble also, but when my mom knew that I really needed her, she was just there for me. Which is what I needed.

I don't know what I would have done without my mom all these years. She was there for me when I was pregnant with my first baby, even when my husband (EX-husband) wasn't. She took me to most of my doctor's appointments, made sure I had everything I needed for a healthy and happy pregnancy, and she was even there when my daughter (her first grandbaby) was born. She had a stroke 4 1/2 years ago, and I was afraid I'd lose her. I was only 23...I wasn't ready to not have my mom anymore. Her recovery was literally a miracle. Not just because the stroke was so bad, but also because through that battle, we became even closer.

She is now 58 years old (this coming September) and she is still by my side. She is still my closest friend. She still gives me guilt trips, but she loves me just the same. Oh, and she still loves Milky Way.

Love you Momma.