With Mother’s Day approaching this weekend I wanted to share a public tribute to my Mom. The purpose of this tribute is to give her the honor she deserves and to display my appreciation to God for the mom he gave me. I am linking back to Tim Challies for the great idea! Check out his series The Commandment We Forgot  that looks at the fifth commandment (“honor your father and mother”) and explores the idea of how to obey this command once we are adults. #dearmom17

Dear Mom,

I know I don’t always take the time to say thank you for all the amazing ways you have shown and continue to show your love to our family so I am taking time today to rectify that.

First off, you are beautiful. You may not hear those words enough from your family, myself included. You have shown me over the course of my life that true beauty comes from within and most importantly when Christ shines out of us. Thank you for teaching me that it is the small moments in the day that develop our character for the great moments in life.

When I now look at the picture above from when I was pregnant with Caden, I understand how excited you must have been for me to become a mother. Children are a blessing from the Lord and my own little ones have made me appreciate you even more.

Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made for me. Thank you for the sleepless nights you gave up, for the meals you had to reheat for yourself, and for the huge amount of bodily fluids I must have placed on you during my lifetime. Having children now at the current ages of 4 years, 2 years, and 5 months I know that you had your share of these things with myself and Evan.

I can never imagine Caden, Maisie, or Jesse being as sick as I was several years ago.  My stomach knots together just thinking about these little ones of mine being ill. I know it was hard to see me like that. Thank you for your love and support during those two years.

Now with a daughter of my own I hope to one day have the type of relationship with her that I have with you. Do you remember the time you let me put glitter eyeshadow on you for church? <— Click the link to read about this story from my Mom’s perspective. You were so trusting and left the house without looking in the mirror. Personally, I thought it looked fabulous but had absolutely no idea what I was doing with those makeup brushes.

Out of all the memories we have made together this far, and we have made many, my favorites have been when you have seen your grandchildren enter this world.

Thank you for being in the room for the biggest moments of my life. For being present and for being available.

Thank you for being a mom who was easy to talk to even when I didn’t want to talk, for listening, for speaking the truth in love, and most importantly thank you for introducing me to Jesus.

One day, when we have to say goodbye for a little while, I will be even more grateful for having a mother who shared her faith. However many years the Lord blesses us with together I will be thankful for each one. Thank you for showing me how to mother and to share my own faith with my children.

Love, your daughter, Tamara Marie

PS…If you come over early before church I can do your makeup this weekend. I promise no glitter.