Well, it's Momma's Day, and first, I'd like to thank my Momma. You always packed the best most un-politically correct lunch possible. You had this complex way of freezing canned Cokes (yes, Cokes) for my lunch everyday, so they would still be icey at lunchtime but didn't explode in the freezer the night before. You didn't care that I probably didn't need a Coke because you figured that's what you'd want after a tough couple of hours in the art room at Del Mar Hills Elementary.
You took a job that paid next to nothing and worked weekends at a kid's store (Fashion Valley 70's style, before the fancy makeover) just so you could get a discount on pretty clothes for us to wear. You did my hair in french braids, then in flower barrettes, and later, got me a crimping iron so I could look straight out of Roller Boogie every single day of high school. But, you always insisted on taking me to the best stylist when I wanted to do something drastic with my hair (thanks giving me the freedom of expression but sparing me the humiliation of a DIY do). You also kept me stocked up in Frosted Brownie lipstick, Esprit sweaters, and later, in hats...lots of hats...you always loved I had the confidence to wear a hat. And when I decided I wanted to go edgier with my look, you insisted on taking me to Nordstrom to balance out all of my thrift shop buys with lotsa Doc Martens.
In return, I was your community ambassador, which was mainly a food service position. I'd pick up our favorite salad from Java Depot (chicken w/ corn, blue chips and feta cheese), then our favorite pie from Pizza Port (Monterey, no onions) or Jack in the Box where you had the audacity to request extra crispy bacon and french fries, well done, in a drive thru. We also bonded over movies and soundtracks (Moonstruck and Overboard on a loop mainly). You always had the best collection of flicks (on Beta, of course, because, yes, I know...Beta is still better than VHS, DVD or Blue Ray). Thanks to you, I can still quote 80's movies like a mo-fo. It's not really a marketable talent, but makes for charming dorks at dinner parties.
You were always there for me. Even that time of danger when you were trying to get me to University of the Pacific, but our flight was cancelled from the extreme fog blanketed over the San Joaquin Valley, and we had to rent a car and drive which I'm pretty sure was way more dangerous, but we made it in time to set up my dorm room just right. Later, when I got married and had my own kid you taught me how to burp the little guy and put on the perfect diaper. Still today, you teach me things. Like if I sweep until my hands are cramped and need to be pried off the broom, I'll enjoy my perfect mimosa (also taught by you) even more.
Here's to the little things, Momma. You have a real knack for life and making things perfect. You're an aspirational momma. I will always reach to be like you and to make things beautiful all around me. You're right...a clean, lovely home brings warmth, peace and serenity. And here's to your Momma who did much the same in keeping the perfect house and filling it with beautiful treasures and memories. And here's to everyone's momma for that matter, present or watching over us, in which case, may you find them in your familiar habits, traditions and intuition every day. And here's to the mommas who really wanted to be mommas but have discovered there's another beautiful plan in the works that needs your love and nurturing.
And honorable mention to my hot husband who really did inspire me for the first time ever to actually want to be a mom. I was totally against having kids before you, dude. I was insistent even. But as soon as I locked eyes with yours, I knew I wanted to make a baby together, and I'm thankful that baby has turned out to be a great young man today who I hope will take care of his wife as well as you are taking care of me. You are an amazing example to our boy everyday. I hope he remembers some cool stuff I did for him too, like that coke I sometimes put in the freezer for him, maybe not for school, but to enjoy as soon as he gets home.
Love to all the amazing ladies out there and to the men who are pampering them today. <3