A brief tribute to Mothers, the world over.

Thank you, Mom, for all that you have done to help me turn out sort of normal.  You were the one who taught me that love and compassion make the world a better place, and that I should help spread both. 

You taught me it truly takes a bigger person to turn the other cheek than to seek vengeance.  WWJD.

You taught me that skinned knees and broken hearts are just a part of the real world, and the best thing to do is lick our wounds, get over it quickly, and move on.  Self-pity is self-defeat. 

You taught me how important it is to perservere, and that anything worth having is worth working hard for.  There is no such thing as a free lunch (unless of course you hit the Lotto, or a rich uncle remembers you in his will).

You taught me to smile - big, happy smiles.  It makes you feel better inside, and it makes people wonder what you're up to.

You taught me that nothing is worth stealing or lying for.  Knowing in your heart that you are an honest person, and that people believe what you tell them, is worth more than anything you could ever gain from stealing or lying.  All a person has, really, is their reputation.

You taught me that no one is "better" than I am, nor am I "better" than anyone else.  I can do whatever I set my mind to, and so can others.  The color of my skin makes no difference.  What really matters is how I live my life, and how I treat other people.

By watching you age, I have learned that I will be lucky to get old one day, and I should accept it and not fight it.  The things you taught us when you were younger, you still teach by example today.  Life is always too short, so make the most of every day.  Smile, love, forgive, work hard, play even harder, say what you mean & mean what you say, and when you hug someone, let them know you mean it.

Mom - I love you very much.  Thanks for everything.