30 Days of Thanks #4

Thirty-three years ago, a foxy, feisty mother of six headed to the hospital to deliver yet another Luke daughter. On my birthday, I give thanks to the most important woman in my life, my favorite girlfriend, and my most trusted confidant. My Mom.

My mom, Jacqueline Luke, is a woman you don't forget. She'll make you laugh, gasp, and blush within five minutes of meeting her. I've always wished that I had even just a quarter of her confidence and spunk! She can often be found shopping for her 43 grandchildren's birthdays, drinking Diet Pepsi and nibbling on dark chocolate, chasing rabbits out of her yard, practicing organ, reading, laughing on the phone with her daughters, and cuddling her dog! She's incredibly disciplined, dependable, observant, thoughtful, and fun.

How do you properly thank someone who has loved you from the moment you were born and shaped your entire life? I'm not sure how. But until I figure it out, I'll just say, "THANK YOU MOM" for being the first person to teach me about kindness, compassion, hard work, responsibility, traditions, respect, perseverance, and love.

I am thankful for you today, and always.