Buona Festa della Mamma!

picture courtesy of Vesic Photography

I owe so much to my Mom. She’s the one who got up at 5 am to teach me French. She’s the one who raised me on wholesome foods. She’s the one who did countless loads of our laundry—and managed to hang it all up outside to boot.

Mom walked me to school when we lived 5 minutes away. When it was time for high school, she often drove me the 50 minutes there and back (not counting her own return trips). And when it was time for college, she filled the void with lots of phone calls, letters, and care packages.

Mom always has time for me. She always has something positive and encouraging to say. She always manages to put her needs second to everyone else’s—whether it be giving up the last slice of pie or staying up late to help me finish the project I put off.

For all of this, "thank you" falls a bit short. Happy Mothers' Day, Mom! I love you and miss you.

And to my new moms and grandmom, thank you for welcoming me so warmly into the family! We may live far away, but you are always near in our thoughts.

Buona Festa a tutte le mamme!