Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is a special day. My mother--who also happens to be one of my best friends, is another year cooler today. And wiser. And older. She's made me into the person I am today and I'm forever indebted into all she's invested in me. As I thought about this post, I was reminded of all the things my mother has done for me. I've caused her both joy and heartache, but my mother's love has never failed me. She's taught me so many great lessons of life. Here are just a few of the many lesson's my mother has taught me that has helped mold my backbone and perception of the world.

1. My parents greatest pet-peeve was when we argued as siblings and growing up in a house with two other sisters all one to two years apart was tough. I remember when I was younger, I USE to be the biggest Laker fan (soo not the case anymore!). I loved the old school team with Magic. I also loved them because my dad did to and I adore my dad. Lora and Sala were the biggest Chicago fans because of Jordan of course. It was a playoff game and we got into the biggeset fight over who was the better team. It got a bit out of hand, and I remember the disgust and disappointment in my mother's face. She was by far the disciplinary parent, but always gave us a good talk. That day, my mother taught me RESPECT! It is more than ok to disagree, but you always need to show respect.

2. My mother is big on education! All growing up, the principals, office ladies, counselors and teachers knew my mother by first name. I swear Hunter High School was on her speed dial. She would constantly call in and check on our attendance, grades and behavior. The same woman who when I brought home all A's with one A minus, sent me back to the teacher to see why, and if there was anything I could do to bring that up to an A. It was a bit insane. My mother always pushed us to challenge ourselves. My senior year I thought would be a breeze since I was done with credits for graduation but my mother had other plans. She enrolled me into 3 AP classes, yes SHE enrolled ME! :) She would always tell us "push yourselves, if these palagi kids can do it, so can you!" I learned over and over again, and I am still learning from my mother that the only barrier we face in achieving something is the self doubt we create within ourselves. The power to push me thru that barrier-- or to push me back into it -- had never belonged to any other person. It was mine and only mine.

3. When I was expecting with Devyn, my pregnancy was amazingly easy. I never had morning sickness and I felt great. When I went into labor, everyone just thought it would be cake too! After 16 hours of labor I couldn't dialate past a 5 and her head was starting to swell at the top, so the doctor called for an emergency cesarean. I started to panic. My mother and sister combined had given birth to 9 kids and never has there been a cesarean given to anyone in my family. It was unheard of, but that soon was about to change. With a somber face, my mother stood at my bedside and told me that everything was going to be ok, even though I just heard her franticly calling my dad to rush over to give me another blessing. It was too late, they started to prep me for surgery. The numbness made me so sick. I told my husband that I'm needing to breath harder and I feel like my heart is going to stop beating at any moment. They only allowed one person in the operating room, so my husband came with me. My mother held my hand tight until they rolled me into the operating room. The entire time, I can see the nervousness in her face, but she kept reassuring me that everything would be ok. That day, I learned that pain can be transferred and shared by two people.

Mom, happy birthday. Thank you for everything you are. I hope to be able to follow your footsteps and be that amazing mother for Devyn, as you have been for me. I love you!