Ode to the Mother

So, it's my mom's birthday today. She is 4.......25. Yes....25. Again.

Anyway, she's getting up there and my mom's been through a lot. I didn't really realize just how much mother's go through as parents until my bestest friend had a baby and I got to see/hear all about it firsthand. I was SHOCKED at everything that goes on and changes with a woman's body when they're having a little one. It's a huge sacrifice and a huge giving of self to have children. After I hung out with my best friend and her new little bundle of joy for a few days, I came home with a greater respect for "the mother" and my mother specifically. I guess you can never understand what it's like until you've either seen all the "down and dirty, behind the scenes" stuff OR you go through it yourself (sorry guys!).
So, happy birthday mom! Know that I love you and I appreciate all that you sacrificed for us so that we could be here and be successful in life. It was a great sacrifice you made, and I hope it's been worth it for you and we, as your children, have made you proud!