Transitions

The transition from "mom" to "friend" has to be one of the most rewarding moments of motherhood.  I can't, with any certainty, pinpoint when the transition happened between my mother and I but I thank her with all of my heart for laying the groundwork for me to be able to have it with my daughter. I will always be Mom and wouldn't trade that for anything but this new relationship between us is more wonderful than I expected.

I should have known because of my mom. She knows me better than anyone. She appreciates our similarities and our differences. She values who I am and I hope she knows that she had the biggest role in that. This is the level I am at with my daughter now. We talk about almost everything. Even when she doesn't say some things, I just know. She knows she can be herself with me and lets me see the parts no one else does. Unless you are a parent, you cannot understand this.

To my friends who still have children under the age of 18, hold tight. The road can be rocky but if you are lucky enough to attain this level, it is incredible. I am lucky, I am grateful (every day), and I am humbled by the humans that were made within me.

If I should die tomorrow, please know that my life was full! My heart more full than I have ever hoped for and I hope that when it is my time, my family, my friends, and mostly my children know the role they played in making my life a most wonderful one.