Thankful

I know I should be doing homework. I took out my laptop to do so but...I am overwhelmed with how grateful I am for my mother. I want to scream it from the rooftops but seeing as how I am on the Frontrunner train, that would be dangerous. So my blog, although only like 6 people read this, is the best I can do. I am the luckiest girl in the world. I have a mother who is strong but gentle, religious but accepting, always kind, and who is not afraid to disagree with me if it will make me a better person. It feels like daily in class I am reminded of how lucky I am. Today we spoke about after school programs for children and how we can help as OTs. The professor asked the parents in the class what their children do while they are in school. I was pleased to say that my family watches my son when he is not in school. She asked what they do with him. I began thinking of all the things he does with them: gardening, planting, baking cookies, making dinner, reading, doing puzzles, playing outside, finding rocks, and so many other things (and lets be honest, my mother is often the reason he does these things, although I have been super impressed with my dad in this area)My mother has always been so good with children. She always has fun, educational activities and is so happy about being with children. She loves teaching them and exploring the world with them. She took my son to the Dinosaur Park during his Spring Break so that he could actually do something fun. She let him take over 100 pictures with her camera. A while back in school I was reminded of another reason why I am thankful for my mother. I won't go into details because I do not know if she would want me to but suffice to say, my mother is strong. She can find good in bad situations. She does not allow bad actions of other people to ruin her life or allow it to ruin her children's lives. She could let it eat her up, she could turn to unhealthy alternatives to deal with it, she could take it out on her loved ones, but no, she has become the personality (can't remember right now what it is called) and has harnessed it to find "flow". She gives me the best advice. While complaining about my husband's lack of enthusiasm at a very large extended family get together where he felt ignored and left out, she reminded me, "He went didn't he? That is wonderful! You should be grateful!" Oh, yeah, I guess you are right. And when I complain of others, she reminds me to love everyone, even the annoying people :) I haven't even gone into how patient she is! Never has there been a more patient mother. I am sure she would say, "I am not perfect, Katie." (isn't she humble?) so okay, maybe she isn't PERFECT. We have had our clashes in the past. But I am so blessed to have her as a mother. I don't know if I could have learned love, empathy, or understanding from any one like I have learned it from her. She is inspiring.