Mom, you were there when I learned the ABCs and you will be there when I teach my kids the ABCs. As a linguist, you know and appreciate the power of words, so let's review:
Acceptance - You are one of the only people in the entire world who accepts me exactly the way I am. Yes, you have your suggestions and questions about how I lead my life, but never have I felt afraid that something I've done or said would change the way you feel about me. I admire and appreciate everything your love brings and hope to mimic that purity with my own children.
Baklava - I need your recipe for both spinach and dessert baklava. These family specialties are not only delicious, but an important part of our recent history. I admire you for grabbing the recipes from Nana before it was too late, and thank you for making them for every family occasion. I definitely want to keep the tradition going and hope to make them as well as you do.
College - After 5 years, 2 colleges, 2 degrees, 1 sorority and numerous phone calls and visits, my undergraduate career was a success, and I have you and Papi to thank for that. With your ongoing support, I was able to pursue my dreams of becoming a leader, participating in as many activities as possible, and leaving school with more life experience than I had ever dreamed of. I admire you for sticking with me through the tough times, and pushing me to be the best I could be at a time that was not always easy for me.
Dogs - Regardless of how adamant you are that dogs are not your responsibility, you are willing to take on the motherly duties if they are so needed. I admire that you can suck it up and take the dog for a walk, or clean up an accident in the house, even though you made it clear those were not to be your tasks.
Every day - Whether I say it or not, I love you. I appreciate you. I think of you. I look up to you. I want to please you. I hope to grow old with you. I admire you.
Finances - I cannot begin to thank you and Papi for keeping the family financially stable and happy all these years. There are so many parents around the world who are unable to provide for their families the way you have and continue to do. I admire you for standing your ground on certain spending, teaching us about the value of money, and reminding us that it is not everything.
Grandma & Grandpa - July 23, 1998 was by far the worst day of your life, and only a very few of us share that sentiment. We were struck straight through the heart with that incredible loss, and we each handled it in very different ways. Although it took several years for you to feel normal again, I admire you for taking action via therapy, quilting, family & friends to keep moving forward and bringing about your own happiness in life.
Hands - You have the softest, smallest hands, with beautiful nails that you take care of on a daily basis. I admire that, because mine don't always look manicured and classy. And you don't like when fingers intertwine during hand-holding... it creeps you out, which is why Maggie & I do it just to see you squirm.
Intelligence - Thank goodness I have an intelligent mom. It is so inspiring to watch you reading books, surfing the internet, and asking questions to quench your thirst for knowledge. I admire the outlook you have on life that says, the amount of knowledge had is never enough, there is always room for more. It may have taken me until senior year of high school to realize reading was cool, but now I know you were right the entire time.
Judaism - I have yet to read "Judaism for Dumbies," but I thank you for buying it. I want to learn more about our religion, our ancestors... even if I choose not to observe any holidays past Hanukkah and Passover. I admire you for allowing Maggie & I the freedom to choose, the freedom to learn, and the freedom to pass on, if and when we choose to do so.
King - Growing up, many other kids were so confused that you did not have the same last name as me. I thought it was so simple - she didn't change her name when she got married. Who says you have to do that? Why is it such a big deal? I admire you for taking the correct course of action for yourself, regardless of what others thought or said. I suspect that's why you married an Egyptian, who wouldn't think much of it because his own culture does not practice the tradition (haha).
Liquor - I cannot deny that you are one of the funniest drunks I've ever seen, because it is such a rare and festive occasion. Your one whiskey sour makes you giggle, talk a lot, get a little red in the face, and really loosen up. I admire you for never taking too high an interest in alcohol (or other substances for that matter), which makes it easier to laugh hysterically at those times when you get a little crazy.
MOTHER - Although I consider you one of my best friends, you are my mother first and foremost. I respect and admire the way you have spent your life, the way you raised Maggie and myself, and the hopes you have for the future. You have said before that becoming a mother was the best decision of your life... I concur!
Nutrisystem - As a woman who has now had several bouts with weight-loss myself, I admire you for realizing it's never too late to make improvements. You realize that being overweight can be an issue standing in the way of things, and you'll eat whatever meal they suggest, whether or not it's delicious, to combat the frustration of not feeling your very best.
Orthopedics - Even though your feet hurt like crazy, and you need special inserts for your shoes, you never stop moving. You want to go on walks and sight-see and explore and travel and be active. I admire your willingness to overcome the pain and power through for the sake of showing your family the world and all it has to offer.
Patches - Remember the patch jacket you had back in the day? You collected patches from all over the world, all colors and shapes and sizes. I admire that you wore it proudly, even though it was super heavy, showing off all the experiences we shared together as a family.
Quilting - To you, this is more than a hobby, it's a way of life. I admire how creative you are, how willing to learn, and how genuinely excited you get over new fabrics, new ideas and showing others your hard work. I hope to have an artistic piece of my life to explore, pass on and celebrate when I'm your age.
Raccoons - As our family "code word" and being surrounded by little figurines all over the house, I will always have a soft spot for raccoons. I admire your ability to shovel snow and look cool at the same time - with that grey/blue raccoon hat and sunglasses. Clearly a bad ass.
Socks - As to be expected, your socks stress me out. I know you don't understand the importance of keeping things matched as pairs, but come on... two different colored socks is just plain wrong. I admire that you embrace the rainbow in your wardrobe.
Tshirts - You prefer v-necks or button-ups because you can't stand the choking feeling of regular tshirts. Sometimes this means getting drastic and wandering into your husband's closet for a day's outfit, and I admire how easily you'll wear whatever you want and not worry about what others will think. "Is this my husband's shirt? Well, we share his clothes..."
U.S.A. - While Maryland has always been our home, I am beyond grateful to you and Papi for taking me all over the world. There are not many people my age who have seen France, Spain, Egypt, India, Canada, Cyprus, England, Holland. I have not always been the most pleasant during our family vacations (which I regret), but I admire you for encouraging me to learn about the world and its cultures. Knowing that the U.S.A. is not the only place that matters has made me a stronger leader and a smarter person.
Vagina - You and Papi have been the best role models in the life of a feminist. Always telling me that my "vagina" was not a weakness, not an enemy, and not a responsibility to be taken lightly. I am a stronger woman because you were the biggest cheerleader - for my relationships, my degree in women's studies, and my desire to embrace my female power head on.
White - If you could make it happen, you'd have a full head of white hair. I admire how well you embrace that aspect of "getting older." And of course, I love when you feel inclined to tell any women with a full head of white hair how beautiful it is. I know you do it because you love it, but on another level, you are giving her a huge smile about something she may not so willingly embrace.
XXVII - For 27 years, you have cared for me as one of the 2 most important people on earth. I am honored to be in your innermost circle, and plan on staying there. Family is the end-all-be-all, and I admire you for teaching us that without family, we are but individuals walking alone. I hope you know you are one of the most important people on my earth, and you will always and forever be in my innermost circle.
Yes - It may sound silly, but you have no idea how much it means to me that you are always there to say "yes." Whether it's about transferring money or sewing on a button or listening to me complain about work, you always say "yes, I can." I admire your willingness to be there for me, 24/7, in whatever capacity is needed.
Zzz - I am so glad you are getting the sleep you need these days, and taking fewer naps. Those hours can now be spent enjoying the wonderful life you've made for yourself, truly living it. I admire you for keeping on it and coming up with a way to cut down on the "zzz." I believe you will be a more energetic and happy woman!
I could not ask for more enthusiasm from your corner. Every new idea I have, every new activity or event or mission I want to take on, you are right there to support me. Your unconditional passion behind your children is admired by both myself and Maggie, and many others in our lives who have watched us grow. I believe we are two of your biggest accomplishments, and without you, we would not have been able to achieve our biggest accomplishments. On this Mother's Day 2010, I must say, I admire you!
Womb to tomb. Birth to earth.
I love you!
