Birth Day

So it is my birthday. This has nothing to do with Ricci's journey, except that as a mother --- especially Ricci's mother, I see the world differently.

I know a wonderful strong pensive woman, teacher, mother, named Maura. She and I had a discussion about how we need to send cards to our mothers on our birthday days. So this is a celebration of my mother, who made me the mother I am today, and therefore the mother Ricci has. Hey, stay with me, folks I am getting to the important part.

So mom,
Thank you for all of your patience, for listening to me now and when I was small. And for helping me to be strong, and independent. You were an advocate for children and didn't even know it. You stopped people driving without car seats, ( we would hide our heads in shame back then, but now I would say, "that's MY MOM!) you spoke up for abused children without a voice. You encouraged us to play outside and love nature instead of T.V. and the couch.

You taught me to think before I do, to always evaluate where the other person is coming from even when I do not want to . (We always play devil's advocate in our family. It's not fun, but it is quality I value). You taught me that "the world does not revolve around me," this is so true, and it used to be funny, but now I am so grateful as there are many adults who truly feel it does. You taught me that there is a plan for our path, and worrying and over thinking it can only hurt us and no matter how bad we THINK we might have it, there is someone out there experiencing something far worse! So you taught us not to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves.

You taught me to love all people and to be compassionate for what people do not have, and for their differences. (Remember when we modeled, the only paying gig we had, and you made us put part of the money towards purchasing a Thanksgiving Dinner for a family needing money that year) I see now that you knew that we must understand that we should always take care of those around us. You taught me that some of my best friends are my sisters, and they are today!

Most of all you taught me that being a mother is something to be proud of and that it should be done with dignity and unconditional love. Because of you, I will always let Ricci know how much he is loved, and that he "can always come home."
Thank you mom on my Birth Day, for fighting for me, loving me, and bringing me into this world to learn, grow, and so that I was able to experience Ricci and his Birth Day. You gave me the strength to speak up for the children I work with and most importantly my own son.

I love you mom, thank you.