ode to my mom

My mom is seriously awesome. I called her tonight and it was late. She drops everything she might be doing to talk to me. She has always done that. When I need to talk, she is always there to listen. I still remember vividly...I called her when I was in college. That first semester was heinous...all the changes...as much as is was time for me to leave and spread my wings, I had a terrible time adjusting. So much so, that I broke out in hives because of the stress. That's the only time that's happened, and it was terrible. I called my mom around midnight out of distress. My mom...she is a saint. I've always thought so, but I knew for sure then...she stayed on the phone with me until 6am. Just talking. Listening. I remember long silences and bursts of conversation, but she did not hang up. She stayed on the phone with me until I was done. Until my roiling emotions were quiet enough for me to fall asleep. Nevermind her own need for sleep. I always think of that when I think of my mom. Who does that? Only a mom.

I called my mom again tonight. This time, it was because I was feeling crappy about the ADHD diagnosis. It was late again, time for sleep...but my mom never complains. She always listens. After talking with her, I felt better. I knew I would. I always do. She is what I aspire to...my mom is the kind of mom I want to be...I always want to listen. I always want to be there for my daughters. When they call, I want to answer. I want to stay up until 6am listening to them. Because what is more important in life that that? I just don't know. I'm not sure there is anything more important than that.