Happy Father's Day, Mom!

It is time again for another celebration this weekend, this time one for the dads. My children are still pretty young, and don't quite fully understand the concept, but they are excited to celebrate "Dad", and do some fun dad stuff. We got to go out on a nearby lake this morning, do some fishing, some sun soaking and some swimming. My husband is a great father, and I am so proud of the dad he is. No matter what he always makes time for our children, even on his most tired days, because he loves them like no other, and he is honored to be their dad. He is a great partner to have, I can count on him to help me with the kids, or around the house, if there is anything I ever needed all I would have to do is ask, and he would do anything in his power to make it happen. Of course we are a "normal" married couple, with our ups and downs, but through it all we have determined that we love our little family, and at the end of the crazy day, we want to be together. I am so lucky to have him, and I can't imagine how hard it would be if I didn't.

Which leads me to my next thought, and the reason I am writing this blog today. Single mothers. I was raised by one, actually my older brother and I, and she is the most amazing, heroic, inspiring woman I know. She did it all, everyday, by herself. Her mother, my grandmother, was able to help, and I am so thankful my mom had her nearby. My grandmother was there for support, and to help my mom take care of us so she could go back to school and receive her 4 yr degree. She was a single mom, who worked full time, had two children and still managed to get her degree. Simply amazing. What is most amazing to me, is I look back on my childhood and smile, as it was one of the best childhoods anyone could ever ask for. You name it, my mom made it fun. Birthday's, holiday's, vacations, anything. She was always meticulous about the little things; making sure my milk was pink the morning of my birthday, decorating the tree after I went to bed on Christmas Eve, just to keep the tradition alive that Santa came and decorated it. Teaching me how to drive a stick in big old parking lot, and not once losing her patience while I gave her the slightest case of whip lash. I remember smiles, laughs, snuggling with her on the couch, helping both of us with our school work, being a support system when my heart was broken. She still is my best friend. She was my mother, and my father, and never have I felt for a second that I was missing a parent, or that there should have been someone else there. She did it effortlessly, or at least it seemed so to me, and I guess that's all that matters. I know it was so hard for her, but she never let us know it for a second. It is now, at this point in my life, as I have two young children to take care of, and a partner to do it with, that I sit and wonder how the heck she pulled it off. To say thank you just doesn't seem enough, but I will say it anyway. Thank you to my mom, for giving me the best opportunities you could, for caring for my brother and I with such a strong, unwavering love, for giving us a childhood that was full and complete in every way.

When Father's day rolls around every year, not once have I ever felt sad for a "missing parent". I smile and think of my mom, who gave me the most incredible start in life, who played the part of not only mom, but dad, and I never knew the difference. I celebrate my husband who makes his children squeal with laughter, and my mom, who made me who I am today.