Mom

(She loves her puppies but I am STILL #1 !! )

In this Mother's Day season, how could I possibly start my blogging "career" about people that have inspired me with anyone but my very own Mother? After all, if anyone has inspired me more than any one else, it is" her". Or is it "she"? Oh well.

I guess you could say that she is the reason that I am who I am today. Bless her heart. Yes, there have been many other human and environmental factors responsible for this lump of protoplasm I call "me" but she is the one person that, I have to say, has been the largest influence in my life and is the most inspiring person I know.

First of all, let me say that we had nothing….and I mean nothing but each other. She usually worked a minimum of two jobs during most of my school years and I even remember her taking on a third job when I was in high school just to be able to buy my prom dress.

I have never known anyone that is a more outstanding example of Unconditional Love (with a capital U and capital L). Throughout my entire life she has truly believed that I am the smartest, prettiest, most talented, most capable, funniest girl in the world….even in those horrible teenager years! In her eyes, I can do no wrong. Boy, do I have her fooled! We all know that just is not true. However, when you have a personal cheerleader like that in your corner all of your child and adult life, it has a way of making you feel like you are capable of doing anything. She gets all the credit for my confidence and positive belief system because I have always known that there is someone in this world who truly believes that I am perfect. Everyone should have someone like that in their life…..and we could all climb mountains!

Now this Unconditional Love doesn't stop with me although I am her "reason for living" (aka "Only Child Syndrome.") My mom has this amazing knack for finding something good in everyone she meets. While some of us have to look really hard for the good in some people, she spots it immediately and has a friend for life.

This is a woman who makes people smile (or laugh out loud) with just the mention of her name. More than likely because of her ab-so-LUTE-ly hilarious sense of humor, her ability to get away with telling the dirtiest of jokes (she has made me want to slide under a table many times), or simply because of her kindness and compassion for everyone she meets.

My mom could never pass High School Algebra and my poor grandfather had to beg the principal to let her graduate with her class but she has a wisdom and a capacity for understanding and loving people that surpasses all understanding.

If only more of us could be just like her, this world would be a much better place. I aspire to be more like her every day of my life.

I love you, Momma, Happy Mother's Day,

Leslie