A mom is an exceptional human being. She is defined as a woman in relation to a child, but to be a mother is distinctively more than a mere relationship. A mother is the person a family relies on to make plans, hold things together, know where all the things are and to be the rock. And a true mother lives to fulfill these needs to her deepest effort.

A mom teaches through her actions how to proactively and unconditionally love with a whole heart, even when hers may be broken. She can hide her tears behind a believable smile backed by a devotion to keep her family at its happiest. She is unwavering and loyal. Her family knows they can count on her and relies on her to be the constant.

She is filled with a strong will which is most likely where her children learned to be so stubborn. Her strength is powerful, emotionally and also physically. Have you ever seen a mom carry in groceries or lug her three kids and all the things they positively needed to bring with them into the store?

She can balance a schedule and make sure everybody is where they should be at the right time, even while working a full-time job and going to the gym three days a week before anybody else wakes for the day. Because in all honesty, she would feel guilty taking one minute away from her husband and children in the evening to spend that time on herself. A mom is all of these things and a multitude more.

My momma has taught me all the lessons, even ones that were hard for her to watch, over my lifetime. She taught me to give kindness and love but also to hold my own. She notoriously taught me to follow my gut and follow any dream I had with love and encouragement. She taught me never to quit something after I started, in fact, that was not allowed.

She has the most understanding glances, most delicious unwritten recipes, and the absolute cheesiest macaroni. She can cook anything but mostly enjoys the time spent dirtying her apron with flour in the presence of her kids and now grandkids creating sugary masterpieces. Kitchen laughter and porch talk is often the best medicine.

Over the years, she has been a nurse to many friends and family, taking time away from herself and investing her faith and love as a caretaker. She pours her heart into all she does. She forgives easily but doesn’t give her trust with the same ease.

She, like all mothers, juggles the struggles with grace and relies on her faith through the tirelessness. Always rolling up her sleeves and getting done the need-to-do’s, and with little to no recognition, she keeps on. Always keeps on, always.

Daughters often realize some of the struggles a mom faces, yet still have the desire for their own children as the love shines brighter than the rest. It is pure and undeniable. The moms have all the remedies for cuts and bruises, stomachaches, tangled hair, stains and broken things. They have the advice for high school friendships, career choices, which outfit and which pair of shoes. The have the happiest laughs and meanest stares when one of their children is acting out.

A mom is what makes a house a home. She reflects daily on decisions and chores and meals and failures. She tries to live by example but never lives up to her own expectation. She builds memories with her family. She shares love.

This Mother’s Day, show your mom the appreciation you have for her. Not only your mom though, all moms and those who yearn to be a mother but still have that soul wrenching motherly love in their heart that out pours in every action. If your mom is still on this earth, do not forget to thank her often, not only with words but with memories, hugs and actions. If you are missing your mom this Mother’s Day, take time to thank God for the moments and legacy that your mother gave you.

It doesn’t seem fitting to only take one day a year to recognize our mothers. This tireless group of forever giving women have devoted a lifetime to their children, husbands and families and absolutely deserve the same unconditional love and daily recognition. So, at least today, but also every day, thank your mom, hug her and tell her how special she is to you. Make sure she knows by your life choices and actions that you have truly watched her and are putting in efforts to live by her example. Happy Mother’s Day to my momma, and all the other amazing women. Celebrate, you deserve it.