Mother's Day

There are so many people who won't have mothers in the way that I have a mother. People whose mothers have died, who can't be with them for one reason or another, or, worst of all, who are there but don't seem to care about them.

My life has been blessed with two parents who love me, and even better, who like me. They want to be around me. They're interested in who I am and want to be a part of my life.

I cannot imagine a better mother than mine. She is a strong career woman, but still had time for us. My father took many of the traditional parenting roles, but my mother has still always been nurturing and loving.

I've grown up and moved away and she still calls, still sends care packages, still looks forward to seeing me. And because I love her and like her and respect her I miss her and look forward to talking to her and seeing her. She's one of my closest friends, and I know very few people who can say that about either of their parents.

Best of all, my mother has always tried to be there for children who don't have mothers in their lives for one reason or another. My friends always found refuge at our house. My roommates in college were always sent gifts and care packages when something was going wrong in their lives and they didn't have mother-figures who could or would be there for them. Even now, when college has been through for a year, she still asks after them and sends them gifts.

I am the kind of person who hates gender distinctions. I don't think there should be a Mother's Day or a Father's Day, but rather, simply a Parent's Day, where we celebrate all parents, and all that they do for their (and sometimes others') children.

Mom, you are the best parent and friend I could hope for (though you may have to share that title with dad). Happy Mother's Day.