Dear Mama

I know it's a day late, but I still wanted to show some love to all the moms in my life.  Strangely, as I was thinking about what to write, an old Tupac song came into my head.

Ain't a woman alive that could take my mama's place...
I can always depend on my mama.
And when it seems that I'm hopeless,
You say the words that can get me back in focus.
When I was sick as a little kid,
To keep me happy there's no limit to the things you did.
And all my childhood memories,
Are full of all the sweet things you did for me.
And even though I act crazy,
I gotta thank the Lord that you made me.
There are no words that can express how I feel...
And I appreciate, how you raised me,
And all the extra love that you gave me...
And there's no way I can pay you back,
But my plan is to show you that I understand,
You are appreciated.

As weird as it may seem to associate mother figures with a Tupac song, he did a good job expressing some of the things that I feel when I think about my own mother.

There are a few mothers that I would like to tell how much I love and appreciate them.  The first is my own mom.

Mom, I hope you know how much I love you.  You have always been a great example to me in my life.  Even though you may not be one to do much teaching with your words, the way you live your life has taught me to be kind to others, patient with my children, to always be positive, and to rely on my Heavenly Father. You are awesome!  Being around you always makes me happy.  I am lucky to have a mom that I know loves and cares about me.

The next mom is my mother-in-law, Laura.

Laura, thank you for making me feel like part of the family from the very first time I met you.  I hope you know how much I love and admire you.  Thank you for being so supportive in all my endeavors and thinking that I am much smarter than I actually am :)  You are also a great example in my life.  I love being able to talk with you about all the things we do, ranging from nutrition, to politics, to spirituality.  I have heard horror stories about some mother-in-laws, but I am glad that isn't the case for me, you are the best!

Last but not least is Megan, my wonderful wife, and the mother of my children.

Meg, I don't think you can being to comprehend how much you mean to me.  I am pretty lucky to have married my best friend.  You are a great mom.  I know Koby and Lincoln love you a little bit more than they love me.  I am grateful that you decided to put some of your personal goals on hold to stay at home with our kids.  It is comforting, when I am work, to know that they are in good hands and being taught and taken care of by you.  I can't imagine what our kids would turn out like if I was the one at home...  You are an awesome wife and a great friend.  Thank you for supporting my in everything I do.  For believing in me even though sometimes I don't.  Thank you for pushing me to be a better person.  Thank you for being patient with me when I go through an occasional rough time.  Thank you for always being there.  I love you more than Otterpops, cookies, and a whole lot more... that's a lot of love :)

There are many other women who have been influential in my life, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and friends.  I hope you all know that I love and appreciate you all.  I am a couple days late, but Happy Mother's Day!